I've had some help with this question, but getting near purchase time and want to make sure I have a right answer. On my 290, the spinnaker blocks attach to the arch and lead the sheets back to the winches. However, always leading the sheets to the winches seems overkill. I'd like to purchase blocks with cams and at least be abe to secure the sheets at the arch on lighter wind days. I know the sheets may need to be released quckly if a problem occurs; the cams allow that. I'm a little concerned that the cams might not handle a heavy load from a spinnaker, so I recognize that this idea is really only for lighter air days. Anyone see a problem that I'm missing with using blocks with cams? Anyone actually do it this way? Searched the archives and the lack of anything even remotely related says I'm barking up the wrong tree. Always appreciate the education. Paul
Spinnaker and blocks with cam
- Thread starter PHitchcox
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Your research...
...is correct. This is a bad idea. Spinnaker sheets should NEVER be locked. First because playing the sheets is a constant job, trimming means constant movement in and out. Also, as you point out, if something happens and they need to be quickly released, they may jam in the cleet, even for a few seconds could be disasterous.
...is correct. This is a bad idea. Spinnaker sheets should NEVER be locked. First because playing the sheets is a constant job, trimming means constant movement in and out. Also, as you point out, if something happens and they need to be quickly released, they may jam in the cleet, even for a few seconds could be disasterous.
Thanks
Thanks Alan. I'll stay with regular blocks; ready to release on a moment's notice. Really appreciate the help. Paul
Thanks Alan. I'll stay with regular blocks; ready to release on a moment's notice. Really appreciate the help. Paul
Why blocks matter
1. You need the angle. 2. Cheaper than winches back there. Here’s an easy-to-make bowsprit, seats in the anchor locker. This will throw the spin ahead of the main, less blanketing. Tack line and 2 sheets permanently deployed for quick setup. (Note that the link here has 2 pages of pix and directions.)
1. You need the angle. 2. Cheaper than winches back there. Here’s an easy-to-make bowsprit, seats in the anchor locker. This will throw the spin ahead of the main, less blanketing. Tack line and 2 sheets permanently deployed for quick setup. (Note that the link here has 2 pages of pix and directions.)
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