Newbie questions #2

[Xstream]

I am finding more out each time I visit the boat. It has an interesting type of mainsheet system: it uses three bails near the middle of the boom. Apparently one end of the sheet ties to the middle bail, runs down to a block attached to a pad eye on one side of the cabin top, back up to another block attached to the next bail, then down to the other side of the cabin top to another block, back up to the bail closest to the mast and down to another block at the mast base, over to a turning sheave and finally ends up at a rope clutch. Seems like the long way around the barn, to me. This is one system. The other system uses an end of the boom block down to an eye in front of the wheel steering. Admittedly it does keep the mainsheet out of the cockpit and that is worth something, but a cabin top traveler seems to me to be a better solution since it also allows one to travel the boom in or out. Has any 281 owner made a modification like this?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Has any 281 owner made a modification like this?

You may receive an answer to this specific question here if, and only if there are B281 skippers who 1) have done so, 2) are respondents on this forum, 3) happen to be reading the forum today and 4) care to answer. That inherently limits your ability to get an answer of any kind. I don't know if there is a B281 Beneteau forum of any kind, which may open more possibilities for positive responses, other than generic ones about different ways to rig mainsheets.

Your description was very good, although I had to read it twice before I "got it."

You might find that here is a name for that type of mainsheet setup, and is most likely available on the Harken website, which has lots of information.

Many prior discussions of mid-boom vs. end boom sheeting include comments on the strength of the boom itself as part of the decision making process.

Good luck.

 

[Tally Ho]

The first thing you describe sounds like either the mainsheet or the boom vang...probably the vang.

It would look something like this...

in this photo of my boat, you can see the mainsheet (red line) and the gang (white line on right side of photo.


So which one does your look like?

The other thing may just be a way to keep the boom steady when not in use. I use something similar, and have it attached to the toe rail and the boom pulled way over so I don’t hit my head when climbing out the companionway.

Here is mine when the main sail was not in use...




Greg

 

[jssailem]

Good morning @Xstream.

As @Stu Jackson sought to clarify, such “Newbie” focused specific queries describing a piece of boat structure makes a person wonder.

As I read your statement my wonder centers on “What is the question here?”

Your description of the mid boom Mainsheet rigging is spot on. You indicated that you are considering buying a boat with such rigging. From your other posts it sounds like you are considering buying a bigger boat than you previously owned. Review of your posted bio indicates a series of boats owned and sailed all with simple end of boom Mainsheet rigging.

Both systems have benefits and challenges.

Perhaps you might clarify your question.

Are there boat owners that have bought a boat and modified the rigging. Yes. Do manufacturer’s make parts to permit you to modify rigging on the boat? Yes. Will you spend a few boat bucks to accomplish this change? Yes. Is it worth the money and effort? Who knows. Is it worth it to you? I can’t imagine the answer. The question feels like trying to answer the question, Has anybody taken a Ford Mustang engine and installed it in a Corvette?

I’m sure someone has considered that, but may have not gone forward when the question occurred to others while sipping beer “Why? Why would you want to do that?”

So as I sip my morning coffee.

Why would you want to mess with the Mainsheet rigging on a boat that you are considering buying?

 

[Xstream]

Thanks to all who have commented. It's always good to hear others opinions. This is a mainsheet system not a vang. There is a rigid vang ahead of the bales. As I pondered the alternatives I realized that this system solves several issues: it keeps the spaghetti out of the cockpit and it preserves easy access to below deck. An across the companionway traveler would like be a head bonker unless it was mounted pretty high so I will keep it like it is and sail it for awhile before I consider alternatives.