Off center main sheet

sinnettc · Jun 6, 2010

Curt,

You could convert to a traveller system like we have on our race rigged boat. It's a bit of a shin knocker but it gives you additional control over sail shape & performance.

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1433&ParentCat=208

You can see it just in front of my granddaughter here.

Clark · Jun 8, 2010

An alternative would be a bridle between the two backstay attachments. Wouldn't be a traveler but would at least center the mainsheet. I have not seen a Capri that did not have a traveler. Was it removed and the mainsheet relocated to a backstay anchor point? Another option is to use a barny post. It does stick up from the cockpit floor but doesn't bark shins as you move fore & aft. A friend is adding one to his Catalina 25 as he is tired of having to reach behind to adjust the mainsheet.

My Bad. You stated the mainsheet was attached to the offset backstay. I guess you don't have a split backstay either. Still, a bridle can be configured to span over the tiller and give you more balanced access to the mainsheet.

sinnettc · Jun 8, 2010

Curt,

The Capri 18 and Capri 22 are not that much different. You might post over on the Capri 22 website and see what the Capri 22 owners who have the offset backstay have to suggest over there. www.capri22.net.

Next time I'm down at the lake I'll try to remember to look at the other Capri 22 on our dock and see how he has his mainsheet rigged - I know he's got the offset backstay like you but I've never looked in the cockpit to see how he's set up. There's a Capri 18 somewhere in the marina too that I'll try to track down.

Clark · Jun 9, 2010

Interesting info Chris. So there were some Capri 22's that didn't have a split backstay/cockpit traveler. Learn something every day!!

Good Grief. I finally recognized (from the OP no less) that the guy has a Capri 18. Sorry for getting my wires crossed.

sinnettc · Jun 9, 2010

Clark,

I think the Capri 22's that aren't race rigged may come with the offset backstay. Basically any that don't have the adjustable backstay I suppose. I don't know if that was strictly on the Mark 1 (prior to 2001) or if it's still true of the Mark II like I have.

Curt,

We had a barney post on the Capri 16.5 we owned before we bought the Capri 22. I think it might be a viable option but you go from shin knocker (traveller) to toe twister. If you do go with a barney post make sure you put good strong plates under the deck to spread the load.

Here's a picture of the Capri 16.5 with the barney post: http://www.pbase.com/sinnettc/image/96602284

CaptDon01 · Jun 10, 2010

When we had our Capri-18,(GREAT boat by the way!) I thought the same thing, even went so far as to install the second back-stay mount on the port side. I never did it, just didn't see the use. Only slight difference in pointing,(naturally slightly better on a starboard tack). I liked the simplicity, and being able to raise the tiller up out of the way in the cockpit. Spend your time leading the halyards to the cockpit.....much better place to spend your time,(in my opinion). If you go to the Capri-18 Yahoo site, you'll see a lot of pictures of our Capri-18 "Quality Time II"

Don

sinnettc · Jun 24, 2010

Had a chance to take a look at a couple of Capri 18's and a Capri 22 all with the single offset backstay at our marina over the weekend.

The Capri 22 had a cockpit mounted traveller similar to ours. Both of the Capri 18's had the block/cleat for the main on the stern at the backstay.

Hope this helps.