On our Legend 37.5 we have the ability to bring one additional line back to the cockpit. The options are bring the outhaul back and leave the boom vang adjustmet on a new jam cleat mounted on one of the blocks, or bring the boom vang back and leave the outhaul adjustment on the boom (with a new 6:1 internal purchase.) Although we have not adjusted the outhaul that much during the two years we have had this boat, our main is a brand spanking new loose footed sail and I anticipate much more frequent outhaul adjustment as we get used to this sail. Also, we have a Dutchman, and I have been informed that to get a loose footed sail to flake properly, the outhaul will need to be tensioned prior to dropping the sail. We mainly use the boom vang to keep the boom down when reaching or running. From a safety standpoint, it seems the motion of the boat will be easier when leaving the cockpit to tighten the vang (i.e. off the wind) as compared to leaving the cockpit to tighten the outhaul (i.e. on the wind). For the above reasons I am leaning toward bringing the outhaul back to the cockpit and leaving the boom vang adjustment on a jam cleat on one of the boom vang blocks, but I would like to hear reasons that this is a good or a not so good thing to do.
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Outhaul, without a doubt
I am re-running my reef lines to bring only one back to the cockpit so that I can bring my outhaul back. The outhaul is used much more often that the vang, such as during tacks, and changing gears as the wind speed or boat speed changes. Also, the deck is more level when running, making it easier to go forward to adjust the vang at those times. The outhaul is typically used when the boat is heeled over. Easy adjustments get done, hard ones usually stay as they were, even if conditions warrant change. Good luck, Steve
I am re-running my reef lines to bring only one back to the cockpit so that I can bring my outhaul back. The outhaul is used much more often that the vang, such as during tacks, and changing gears as the wind speed or boat speed changes. Also, the deck is more level when running, making it easier to go forward to adjust the vang at those times. The outhaul is typically used when the boat is heeled over. Easy adjustments get done, hard ones usually stay as they were, even if conditions warrant change. Good luck, Steve
Steve, where do you run your topping lift?...
If you have it run into the cockpit through a sheet clutch I have another solution for you. Please let me know. Regarding your vang, like Rick I tend to trim my vang more often than the outhaul. However, I have them both run into the cockpit. We currently have the following coming into the cockpit through the organizer and sheet clutches on our P42: Port side: 1. Outhaul. 2. Spin halyard. 3. reef one. 4. Genoa halyard. Starboard side: 5. Main sheet. 6. Vang. 7. Reef two. 8. Main halyard. Terry Terry
If you have it run into the cockpit through a sheet clutch I have another solution for you. Please let me know. Regarding your vang, like Rick I tend to trim my vang more often than the outhaul. However, I have them both run into the cockpit. We currently have the following coming into the cockpit through the organizer and sheet clutches on our P42: Port side: 1. Outhaul. 2. Spin halyard. 3. reef one. 4. Genoa halyard. Starboard side: 5. Main sheet. 6. Vang. 7. Reef two. 8. Main halyard. Terry Terry
Outhaul vs Boom Vang
If you run the outhaul and reef lines to the cockpit with stoppers you have the best and safest control, however watch how much load you put on those smaller lines, particularly if you use a cabintop winch. You could damage the mainsail. On the otherhand, I like my boom vang to be run loose from the lower sheave and becket direct to the cabintop in front of the cockpit. I can pick it up and tension it from either side of the cockpit, typically the windward side on a reach. If you have a dodger this may or may not be as easy.
If you run the outhaul and reef lines to the cockpit with stoppers you have the best and safest control, however watch how much load you put on those smaller lines, particularly if you use a cabintop winch. You could damage the mainsail. On the otherhand, I like my boom vang to be run loose from the lower sheave and becket direct to the cabintop in front of the cockpit. I can pick it up and tension it from either side of the cockpit, typically the windward side on a reach. If you have a dodger this may or may not be as easy.
Topping Lift Solution?
Terry, The 356 has three sheet stoppers per side, so the topping lift is not one of them. I have a ridged vang, so the topping lift doesn't get a lot of use, except in port. Steve
Terry, The 356 has three sheet stoppers per side, so the topping lift is not one of them. I have a ridged vang, so the topping lift doesn't get a lot of use, except in port. Steve
Steve, I was thinking that if you had the topping.
lift through a sheet clutch that you could move the topping lift adjustment to the end of the boom thus freeing a clutch. Terry
lift through a sheet clutch that you could move the topping lift adjustment to the end of the boom thus freeing a clutch. Terry
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