What Do I Do With A Wayward Jib

[Oops17186]

I own a ODay 23 circa 1974(actually it was definitely built 1974)and I am generally
quite pleased with my purchase in 2007. But, as perfection is hard to attain, I am having a significant issue with my jib.

(I love to say "jib" around my non-sailing friends as I know they are very impressed with my knowledge of the sea. I did read "Two Years Before the Mast.")
I highly recommend it.

In regard to my jib, no matter what route my working and lazy sheets take from the clew of the jib, when tacking the jib will not move across the bow without catching on something, rubbings or anything that will disallow my abilility to maintain speed.

I have three shrouds on either side of the mast; a jib/genoa lead block both starboard and port; safety rail with one lower rail.

I have run the sheets directly through the lead block to the cockpit - catches on hatch cover and if that is resolved on the mast.

I have run the sheets behind the third (stern)shroud - The attachment point of the sheets to the jib settles on the shround (usually one)and it usually takes sending someome forward to remove. Unfortunately, sailing single-handed means I'm the one fixing.

You name it, I've tried it.

I would very much appreciate an answer to the vexing question -

How Do I Properly Rig My Jib?

Thank you.

 

[jeff S]

jib sheets

I too, mostly singlehand my 26 ft oday and have some similar problems especially after the yard sets the jib [150 jenny with roller furler]. I usually redo the sheets once I get started for the season,I run the sheets all the way to the stern thru a pulley on a track then forward to the winch and a cleat. I stay outside of all the stays and any other stuff coming off them or the mast. I still have problems with the forward hatch so I leave it closed especially when I solo sail.

 

[ruidh]

How big of a foresail?

You haven't given the most important piece of information.

A jib (a 100% foresail) should be run inside the shrouds. A genoa (more than a 100% sail) should be run outside of the shrouds to a block that is much further back than the jib block. I have a large genoa. When close hauled, the clew is right by the aft lifeline stanchion. My block is set halfway between the clew and the winch. I still have my jib blocks installed. The are much further up and well inside the shrouds.

If you;re having trouble with hangups, I suspect you have a genoa and you may be trying to pull it across with the sheets rather than letting the wind bring it across. When tacking, try not releasing the sheet until the wind passes across the bow and then pull it in on the other side with the wind pushing it sail through.

 

[LordNelson]

make sure jib sheet is loose

i have an oday 20 and occasionally have problems with the hatch. (wish i didn't have one as i rarely use it and it is right where i need to stand at times.) i agree with ruidh.

if i make sure the jib sheet has plenty of loose line when i let go of it, and let the wind take it out before sheeting it in on the other side, 90% of the time i avoid a hang up. if the sheet i just let go is not free or hangs up on a rope kink or something, the jib tends to catch on the way over. a real pain when sailing alone as i usually have to go up on deck to free it.

 

[Joe]

Sheets get caught

My Gennie sheets get caught on my open hatch, usually when I forget to close it, and the Starboard sheet sometimes gets caught on my mast wire receptacles near the foot of the mast. You can try removing the slack out of the loose sheet before you come about, or temporarily cover anything that the sheet usually gets caught on. Also, you could raise your tack line a little on the Jib if you have room to raise it a little higher with your Jib halyard. My Starboard sheet sometimes gets caught on a Hereshoff Cleat that I mounted on the combing for my roller furler control line. A piece of leather could be fashioned to fit over the cleat and prevent the sheet from getting caught on it. I've found that there is a cure for almost anything. You just have to think about it and come up with something that will work for you.

 

[Oops]

Think?

Thank you Joe for your prompt reply.

As to my hatch cover grabbing my jib sheeets, I have placed duct tape
where the top of the hatch closes on the deck opening. This helps quite a bit
with that specific problem area, but it is only one of many.

"You just have to think about it and come up with something that will work for you."

I can't argue with that statement. Actually I'm a rather good thinker and I'm always looking for a way to make an improvement or resolve a problem. My thinking on this one leaves something to be desired.

Regards,

Ill Wind

 

[Joe]

It takes a little practice

...but I know you can do it. "Necessity is the mother of invention",--or so it says here in small print. I've done a lot of modifications on my boat since I've owned it, and it's all part of the fun of owning a boat. Some of these mods were stolen from others, and some were my own creation. I've learned a lot on this forum, that's for sure. If you want to pick up some useful info, stay tuned to this site. It's the best.
Smooth Sailing!
Joe

 

[Ill Wind]

Joe

Thanks for the replies. Most kind of you and I will take your advice.

I will persevere until I resolve this challenge or until the sail is shredded.

Ill Wind

 

[Oops]

Good Question

Ruidh,

I guess that bit of information is important.

To be honest, I can only say with authority, that the tack (I believe that's what it is called) of the jib goes no further toward stern than the mast.

Ill Wind