Trailering H170 w/ asymmetrical bowsprit in place

[Sav'h Steve]

I have not been using my asymmetrical yet. I had to install the optional bowsprit while the boat was in the water. It's so easy to drop the screws in the river! So wanted to keep it on the boat on the trailer. In order to install I had to move things around. The jack had to go behind the mast support. Also I had to get a new extension piece for the bow winch support.I still need to drill a few mounting holes to finish the job. In pic bow is not up tight yet (haven't sail with it).Wonder if those who use spinnaker have done the same??Steve in (colder today) Savannah

 

[Rick S.]

Bowsprit removal

Steve,I don't yet have a spinnaker kit, so I'm interested in your experience. The corresponding page in the owner's manual (page 26C-6 in mine) says the sprit is "designed to be removed for trailering or non-use by removing the set screws in the sockets...." Not a user-friendly design. Set screws are too easy to lose -- the only advantage is that they lie flush and won't snag a sail or sheet. Are the bowsprit sockets attached to the deck fittings by removable pins or fasteners? Are the set screws the ONLY way to remove the bowsprit?

 

[Sav'h Steve]

BowSprit Quick Removal

Hi Rick,The bowsprit has three connection points: two screws on the ends of the bowsprit and one holddown wire which connects to the front boweye.The major pull should be on the boweye (upwards mostly). So quick release pins could be used in place of the SS screws. I opted to have it permanantly installed. The reason is the more you have to set up, the less likely you are to use it. Now when I go out, I can actually hank on the spinnaker at dock and keep it closely under wraps till I need it. That's the plan. Haven't used it yet like that. Plan to do so soon.Again, attaching the system while out on a sail I think would be a drag. What have others done?Steve