Oday 28 main sheet

[lyricpekka]

My new ride is a 1980 Oday 28. I'm looking at the mainsheet layout, a 4 to 1 set up, traveller at the front of the cockpit, attached to boom about 3/4 of the way back. This seems a little light. Should I invest in a 6 to 1 set up, or is my current one OK? Thanks,
Pete

 

[jssailem]

Pete have you tried it out? 4 to 1 may be fine. Or you may find it takes more effort and a 6 to 1 or greater is needed. Really you are the judge as to what you need to control the sails you have on the boat.
It may be an issue of upper body strength. Here again you need to be the judge. If you find the weather you enjoy and the size of the sails cannot be managed as is then you up the power of the sheet.
Of note you indicate the attachment is 3/4 to the end of the boom. The closer to the boom end the easier it is to control the sail.

 

[Davidasailor26]

We had the same 4:1 setup on our 28. I never really felt like it was underpowered. In a gust it was sometimes a little difficult to ease the sheet because of the tension on the cam cleat, but pulling it back in was never too difficult. Like jssailem says it something you should try for yourself to see how it feels to you. A higher priority to me would be to replace the pin-stop traveller with something more adjustable, but it may be hard to do that without making a tripping hazard entering the cabin.

 

[Ward H]

A higher priority to me would be to replace the pin-stop traveller with something more adjustable, but it may be hard to do that without making a tripping hazard entering the cabin.

The tripping hazard has kept me from going to a line controlled traveler on my 25 but after installing a Garhauer low lead car on the combing track I am calling them Monday for spring pin stops. Those screw pin stops are a real pain.

 

[lyricpekka]

Thanks, John, I have only had her out once, had some nice gusts we were able to control. Began to look at similar size boats in the marina, most of them are 6 to 1, so I'm looking for more info. Thanks much

 

[lyricpekka]

Thanks for the advice, David, I think I'll try this 4 to 1 for a while. YES! My San Juan 21 had adjustable traveller car, and I liked it a lot. I may look for something else there!

 

[lyricpekka]

I liked the line control, but see where this could cause a problem. It's a long way to the cabin sole from the traveller if I tripped!

 

[Joe]

Go for it! After you've taken the boat sailing, though. If you're not comfortable.. make the change.

 

[Jackdaw]

For a 28 footer, an Oday 28 has a smallish mainsail, so you might be OK with 4:1. But do not be afriad to go to 6:1. You will really appreciate the extra power when trimming in HARD while going to windward. Or even better, a dual-speed 3:1/6:1 setup.

Also, a so-called 'tripping hazard' is a false worry on a sailboat. EVERYTHING is a tripping hazard! You get used to stuff on the deck. Make the BEST CHOICE FOR SAILING. Install that. People (you included) will learn its there!

 

[lyricpekka]

Thanks for info on both topics. I guess I need to work with what I have, until I realize I need a change.
Pete