Mast eye

[chicagodave]

Thinking of adding a mast eye to help organize spinnaker halyards etc on Beneteau 423.

Any other suggestions? Possibly a bale at the base of the mast.

Also, what would be the proper height on the mast in case it can double for a whisker pole?

 

[Captn TJ]

Dave

I assume on the spinnaker halyard comment your talking about the snaps chalked for the head of the spinnaker? If so on my 423 I attached a shackle to the forward shroud turnbuckle. Then the halyard clips onto this shackle. This keeps the halyard off of the mast and the spreaders minimizing noise and wear on the halyard. I can take a picture tomorrow if you'd like.

Tony

 

[chicagodave]

Tony,
Thanks for the feedback, you've been very helpfull on this and some of my other questions
Assume a lower shroud. Port or starboard or does it matter since the halyard is centered
Dave

 

[Captn TJ]

Tony, Thanks for the feedback, you've been very helpfull on this and some of my other questions Assume a lower shroud. Port or starboard or does it matter since the halyard is centered Dave

On my rig (classic main - tall rig) the spinnaker halyard exits on the starboard side then runs through the turning block at the base of he mast and back to the cabin top winch. I'm at the boat tomorrow and can take pictures of anything you need further details on.

Tony

 

[Captn TJ]

Dave

Sorry I misread your question. I have it clipped to the starboard lower shroud. Guess it really doesn't matter which side. Also this is the normal setup for me during ' regular sails'. However we do clip it to the base of the mast while we race - that way there is no chance of the genny snagging on the halyard when we tack.

 

[BigEasy]

I hope that this is not considered hijacking this thread as I believe it relates to Dave's question. My 343 has a 9/10 rig there is a double eye fitment / bale on the forward aspect of the mast. Should the shackle end of the spinnaker halyard run thru the eye to help center the halyard on the sheave and to prevent the halyard from lifting off of the sheave when the halyard has a load on it ?

 

[Jackdaw]

I hope that this is not considered hijacking this thread as I believe it relates to Dave's question. My 343 has a 9/10 rig there is a double eye fitment / bale on the forward aspect of the mast. Should the shackle end of the spinnaker halyard run thru the eye to help center the halyard on the sheave and to prevent the halyard from lifting off of the sheave when the halyard has a load on it ?

If you are talking about a fitting near the top of the mast that looks like below, then the answer is absolutely. Short version of long answer but yes.

 

[BigEasy]

Thanks Jack, Yes the fitting is near the top of the mast on the forward side. The fitting isn't as robust as the one shown in your photo; mine is made of stainless rod/barstock that is in the shape of two rings. Looks like it would serve the same purpose as that shown in your photo. Guess I will be making a trip to the top of the mast again.