Rigger a Hunter 34 for a Spinnaker

[markwbird]

I am in process of rigging my '84 Hunter 34 with a symmetrical spinnaker. This requires a down-hall on the spin pole. This means a strong attachment point somewhere in the middle of the foredeck. Has anyone else out there done this? What is typically done for making an attachment point on a deck where there is none and where none was likely intended? What are pitfalls?
Thanks for your thoughts

 

[kloudie1]

Here is what my downhaul attachment point looks like Mark. There is a 6" by 4" cutout in the liner inside and a big 1/8" backing plate for the thru-bolts.. The control lines run aft over the ports to thru-bolted cam cleats on the cabin sides, just forward of the cubbies. Set up gives two to one advantage and can be controlled from either side of the cockpit. Previous Owner had installed this .. only thing I've thought about adding is a short, easily removable wire stay from the plate inside, down to an attachment point on the liner under the vee berth.. The two blue lines go to a block with a snap shackle on top to attach to the pole bridle.

 

[markwbird]

Thanks, Kloudie. That is kinda what I had in mind. Good to know about the backing plate.

 

[JRacer]

Here is how mine is rigged. Factory fitting on the foredeck. No major backing plate as far as I know - just through-bolted with fender washers on the inside the forepeak. Given that the fitting was placed by the factory, I suspect that the area underneath the fitting between the deck and the interior has a chunk of plywood in it where it's drilled. So far, we've had it out in 25 knots + without any issues.

 

[kloudie1]

Yes.. deck is a plywood sandwich.. Looks like approx 3/4" thick back where the ventilators are. I think it is the same forward of the hatch.. I have a light, wire luff staysail that I can tack there and set flying as a cutter rig in light air.. I have watched carefully and never noted any bowing of the deck at the fitting from the sail loads.

PM Heading your way with a couple more pictures, Mark..

 

[Jackdaw]

Here is what my downhaul attachment point looks like Mark. There is a 6" by 4" cutout in the liner inside and a big 1/8" backing plate for the thru-bolts.. The control lines run aft over the ports to thru-bolted cam cleats on the cabin sides, just forward of the cubbies. Set up gives two to one advantage and can be controlled from either side of the cockpit. Previous Owner had installed this .. only thing I've thought about adding is a short, easily removable wire stay from the plate inside, down to an attachment point on the liner under the vee berth.. The two blue lines go to a block with a snap shackle on top to attach to the pole bridle.

Thats the state-of-the-art way to rig a downhaul. The 2:1 is handy, but the real trick is the double ending, which allows adjustment (needed anytime the pole moves forward or backward) from either side of the boat. Allows your pit person (pole trimmer) to always be on the best side of the boat for balance.