toe rails for 150 block

[sean gilley]

Was wondering if the toe rails on the 25.5 are strong enough to attach a block for my 150. I have seen this on other boats, and since the fairleads on the boat don't quite extend far enough for the 150, I am looking for an easy answer with out installing additonal fairleads. Anyone doing this? Suggestions? The boat is set up for crusing and will not be raced.

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

Sean

I assume your on Lake Erie? Im not sure why your track is not long enough, I did extend mine for a little more control on sail trim. When you go to the toe rail you will not be able to point as high, you make the slot to big. This can be done in heavey air but it is to depower the sail. The toe rail is strong enough but won't be the real answer. Do you have roller furling? If so the sail might be cut wrong or the sail is a 155 in stead of a 150. We sail out of Catawaba Island and would be happy to show you what we have done to our 25.5. Even though you don't race it always nice to be going fast. Especilly when there is bad weather coming. So racing skill and having the boat set up for racing is really just to make the boat go faster.

 

[Scott]

Hmmm....

Sean:I have a 150% genoa I use a lot in light air on my 25.5. I think I have the original jib track, and it has always accommadated the 150 with room to spare. Are you sure its a 150 for the 25.5? It seems odd that you would have to go to the toe rail for your jib lead.I would seriously consider lengthening the track instead. It is a permanent solution, and can't cost much more than a couple of good snatch blocks. You'll get better sail shape too. Good luck.Scott

 

[Dick Vance]

Lead Blocks

Sean,You can safely attach blocks to the toerail. I use a couple of Schaefer 5 series with snap shackles for my 170. The snap shackles make it easier to change the lead position but regular swivel shackles will work.I had a new 150 made last year and it will not trim properly on the standard tracks. I had previously added more track so I could use bigger sails and the proper position for the 150 in most conditions is about a foot behind the end of the original track. As already suggested, moving the lead outboard is a standard procedure to de-power a jib by widening the slot between jib and main. Many racing boats have two sets of tracks and move the lead in and out with Barber haulers to trim for different conditions. Dick VanceH-25.5 "Honey Bear"