Preventer rigging

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,097
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
Im looking for some ideas. I’m trying to rig a preventer for my 420 center cockpit. It is not as simple as one might think. I have looked at most common solutions like boom brakes, but nothing is giving me the “ah that’s it”.

Thanks
 

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,915
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
I usually just run a line from any fitting at the end of the boom and take it outside everything to the leeward chock for the bow dock line and then to its cleat. Simple, clean and efficient.
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,926
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
I usually just run a line from any fitting at the end of the boom and take it outside everything to the leeward chock for the bow dock line and then to its cleat. Simple, clean and efficient.
Ditto here, except I have a snap shackle that I clip onto the toe rail. This has worked well for our boat over the years.
 

SFS

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Aug 18, 2015
2,085
Currently Boatless Okinawa
Like Terry Cox, we run a line from the boom to a snap shackle at the toe rail, back to an unused cleat. It really is as simple as it looks. You already use lines elsewhere to keep things from moving. This is the same thing.
 

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,097
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
Well because the Center Cockpit presents some interesting problems with rigging position on the boom. I understand the simple solution of hooking a line to the boom and running it to a cleat, however once again to get any purchase on the boom, the placement is a problem. Also in the event of a crash jibe, having a backwinded main and possible broach, depending on a crew member being able to get to and uncleat a line... well yeah but... Are you guys using a quick release shackle?
Look at my avatar.
 

SFS

.
Aug 18, 2015
2,085
Currently Boatless Okinawa
You can't get purchase on the boom because there is no hardware? A rolling hitch would solve that problem, and a snatch block becomes a movable fairlead to control direction of tension.

As for quick release of the line at the cleat, consider not "locking" the cleat hitch, taking another "x" or a wrap. As a last resort, you do have a knife on you at all times, don't you?
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Rick;
You are correct, a crash gybe or in attentive crew can land you in a broach with a backwinded main and preventer line loaded with enough force to take the skin off your hands. Cut the line and you may lose your rig. Better to find a boom brake that makes all these concerns go away.
 

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,097
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
Yeah Gunni I agree. Going to go with some type if brake that can be handled in adverse condition. I have some ideas now. Also, what are thoughts on where to attach your preventer in relation to the boom? Middle, end, etc. I have heard thoughts that position can increase stress on the boom itself.

I only carry a knife when i'm sailing in the South Bay;)

Thanks for the input. Here is one that is interesting.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-Capt-...226086?hash=item441b536426:g:--kAAOSw-FZXj4Ef
 

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
4,915
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Well because the Center Cockpit presents some interesting problems with rigging position on the boom. I understand the simple solution of hooking a line to the boom and running it to a cleat, however once again to get any purchase on the boom, the placement is a problem. Also in the event of a crash jibe, having a backwinded main and possible broach, depending on a crew member being able to get to and uncleat a line... well yeah but... Are you guys using a quick release shackle?
Look at my avatar.
I've had a number of gybes using this system crossing oceans and interisland sailing and have never lost a rig or done any damage at all. If you can't bring the boom back to the correct side (by steering the boat), then just ease the sheet and luff the main (again using steering) and release the preventer. Simple. Then put her back on course and try really hard not to repeat the mistake.
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
23CD13C3-9420-4C02-B535-DDE96B170C38.jpeg My boom brake is a Wichard product, I hang the friction device just past mid-boom. The control line clips to a car on the port side genoa track, routes through the friction device and down to a turning block clipped to the starboard genoa track then back to the aft cleat. The more loops through the “figure 8” the more friction. When sailing I will “set” the device by pulling any slack out of the non-working side of the control line while standing in the companion way with the center window open.

Location of the friction device is per your convenience - remember a boom brake doesn’t stop the boom, it simply slows it to a manageable rate of swing. I can put a newbie at the wheel on a downwind run and take a nap knowing that we won’t get knocked down.

An improvement would be a dedicated control line cleat or clutch on the cockpit combing close to the wheel. (I have a photo but it isn’t loading to the forum, will try later).

Oh, and don’t attach the control line to your cabin-top handrails like that picture on the eBay website!
 
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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,959
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
The folks on Morganscloud.com
https://www.morganscloud.com/2014/03/13/rigging-a-proper-preventer-part-2/
have a design that captures the end of the boom with a line. Runs it forward to a block near the bow and back to the cockpit where they cleat it.The movie shows the owner attaching the preventer that is on the boom to the preventer control line he picks up from the deck near the shroud turnbuckle. He ties the two together.
I am rigging the same type of preventer and will post info as I complete the project.
The advantage of this type of positive system is you can apply force in boat directions maintaining a firm control of the boom. Such a set up is not for the racer. It is designed to keep the boom in place for long periods of sailing on a single tack. It eliminates the possibility of surprise gibe at night.
 
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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,959
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
That similar to dropping drawers?