My new Mainsheet Setup

[agprice22]

Here is a picture of my new mainsheet setup. It runs more freely and is easier to get to than the original! It has plenty of purchase too!





I used a 75mm fiddle block with a cam cleat, becket, and swivel on the traveler and a 75mm fiddle block above, on the boom. The outlet from the upper fiddle block, off the large sheave, goes forward to another 75mm on the boom and back down and aft to the main sheave on the traveller block and to the cam cleat. I used all Harken Carbo blocks. They run well.

After our first sail with it yesterday, I realize I need to change the angle of the cam cleat. Other than that, it works great!


Thanks,

Andrew

 

[bellnier]

you posted on the O'Day owners forum

 

[agprice22]

you posted on the O'Day owners forum

Oh, I forgot to mention this setup would be specifically of interest to O'day 272 owners, since my boat is a 272. Don't know if you have experience with the 272, but the original mainsheet setup was somewhat inconvenient.

I figure anytime we 272 owners find an improved rig, we should share it! I will post pictures of my new cunningham, reefing and outhaul rigs soon too! I am slowly refurbishing my '87 272 while it is on the water and being... Sailed! Ahhh.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Pat]

Congratulations Andrew! Patrick

 

[Jackdaw]

Nice choise of hardware. 4:1 right? What was it before?

 

[agprice22]

Nice choise of hardware. 4:1 right? What was it before?

Yes. 4:1. The old one I think was 2:1, but it ran through a standup block just aft of the mast on deck, then it ran through a clutch on the starboard cabin top. Yikes! I cannot imagine trying to quickly or accurately haul it or ease it in that configuration.

Now it runs freely. It is much simpler.

Now I need to add some blocks to my traveler, so I can adjust it. The traveler on this thing is terrible.

Thanks!

Andrew

 

[the_alpine]

Now just replace those stupid nicro fico traveler blocks with some adjustable blocks from Guido at Garhauer.

 

[agprice22]

Now just replace those stupid nicro fico traveler blocks with some adjustable blocks from Guido at Garhauer.

Awesome idea! Actually, I have already begun ordering the parts to fabricate a new traveler setup. I am excited to get it done and sail with it.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Pat]

How do you like it Andrew? Huge difference on our boat...Have fun! Patrick

 

[agprice22]

How do you like it Andrew? Huge difference on our boat...Have fun! Patrick

It is very smooth and easy to adjust. The 4:1 system with the 75mm blocks is plenty powerful, and the big blocks help the line run smooth.

I didn't go through Garhauer to get a traveler setup. I am going to fabricate a system to adapt my current traveler car and ends for a 4:1 system. I have cheek blocks, eyestraps, cam cleats, and 316 stainless flat bar to build a rig. This shouldn't be difficult, since I can refer to Harken and Garhauer pictures. A little cutting, grinding, polishing, and some stainless nuts and bolts, and I can produce a nice setup.

I will post pictures when I am through. Unfortunately, it won't be this weekend because I only have 1 day at the boat, and I would rather sail than fabricate all day!


By the way, the weather up here is UnSummer-like. We are having Fall-like weather: 40's to 50's at night, and 70's to low 80's in the day. We are expecting a day in the 60's next week! Ugh... I am NOT going to go gently into the night! I will be out there in my parka in October if I have to in order to get my sailing swerve ON!


Thanks,

Andrew

 

[thepiratedoc]

Since I just re-did my 272 mainsheet tackle I will have to wait til next season (at least) to consider this, but I like the looks of it. The original set up was a real head scratcher -- poor purchase making main trim a PITA.

 

[agprice22]

Since I just re-did my 272 mainsheet tackle I will have to wait til next season (at least) to consider this, but I like the looks of it. The original set up was a real head scratcher -- poor purchase making main trim a PITA.

So true. I think the use of the fiddle blocks helps on the new setup, but the best upgrade is the use of the cam cleat on the block at the traveler car. It alleviates routing the mainsheet through the standup deck block and line clutch.

Looking at yours, maybe you could add the cam cleat to your block on the traveler car.

Mine now works well.

Thanks.

Andrew.