I have a 95 23.5 IM looking to add a whisker pole next season for better downwind performance. I have checked the archives and did some research but was wanting more info or ideas. I also have an outhaul question when I induce more belly by use of the outhaul it drops the boom down. Should I tighten the topping lift it doesn't cause a problem but I was not sure if you should tighten the topping lift to compensate for this. I always let the main support the boom.
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Sail Shape
I'd assume you are slightly loosening the outhaul for a deeper main when on a reach or run, with the boom well off the centerline. If tha Mainsail leech is being held tight by the weight of the boom (possible in light air)then tightening the topping lift will introduce curve in the leech. Having a teltale at tha aft end of each batten will show a stalled condition if the luff is too tight.
I'd assume you are slightly loosening the outhaul for a deeper main when on a reach or run, with the boom well off the centerline. If tha Mainsail leech is being held tight by the weight of the boom (possible in light air)then tightening the topping lift will introduce curve in the leech. Having a teltale at tha aft end of each batten will show a stalled condition if the luff is too tight.
Preventor
If you don't already have a preventor, add one while you are at it. It'll make a huge difference when it comes to an accidental jib and with a wisker pole on the opposite quarter downwind is pretty smooth and easy.
If you don't already have a preventor, add one while you are at it. It'll make a huge difference when it comes to an accidental jib and with a wisker pole on the opposite quarter downwind is pretty smooth and easy.
Where to attach a preventer on a 23.5
I have a snap shackle on the boom vang at the mast base to use it as a preventer. I hesitate to attach a preventer to the stanchion. The only thing I could think of is to run a line from the bow cleat to the snap shackle of the vang after disconnecting it from the mast base. This works somewhat, but the angle of the line is quite horizontal. A more vertical attachment would be better. Would do other folks do? (Steve?) ...RickM...
I have a snap shackle on the boom vang at the mast base to use it as a preventer. I hesitate to attach a preventer to the stanchion. The only thing I could think of is to run a line from the bow cleat to the snap shackle of the vang after disconnecting it from the mast base. This works somewhat, but the angle of the line is quite horizontal. A more vertical attachment would be better. Would do other folks do? (Steve?) ...RickM...
Couple/three options to consider...
I have a H23 myself... I think your toe rail, or lack there of, is the same as mine. If I had a decent toe rail to clip on to I'd use that. As it is, I have used the stanchion eyes and they seemed to work fine but I decided that wasn't the best plan. Another choice I tried are the bow cleats but they are a long way from the cockpit and the line can get in the way of the jib sheets if you want to do anything quick... it is solid as a rock though. Because I'm generally too lazy to run all the way up front I use the u-bolt chain plates. I'm using a light vang that was made for a smaller boat. Clipped to the bail on the boom with the main sheet and back to the chain plate u-bolt. Kind of acts like a boom vang too as it pulls the boom down a bit.
I have a H23 myself... I think your toe rail, or lack there of, is the same as mine. If I had a decent toe rail to clip on to I'd use that. As it is, I have used the stanchion eyes and they seemed to work fine but I decided that wasn't the best plan. Another choice I tried are the bow cleats but they are a long way from the cockpit and the line can get in the way of the jib sheets if you want to do anything quick... it is solid as a rock though. Because I'm generally too lazy to run all the way up front I use the u-bolt chain plates. I'm using a light vang that was made for a smaller boat. Clipped to the bail on the boom with the main sheet and back to the chain plate u-bolt. Kind of acts like a boom vang too as it pulls the boom down a bit.
Thanks
Hmmm, I hadn't thought of a dedicated preventer instead of reloating the boom vang from the mast base to the rail somewhere. I guess that's one less step when freeing the preventer. The H23.5 cabin top goes right to the edge of the boat; there's no side deck. This makes it a long reach down to the chainplate U bolts which are right on the gunwales. I'd have to lie flat on my stomach to reach. Maybe I'll try hooking a short line to the chainplates on each side, then clipping these (slackly) straight up to the lifelines or a stancion. Then the vang or whatever I use would just clip to the end of this line. ...RickM...
Hmmm, I hadn't thought of a dedicated preventer instead of reloating the boom vang from the mast base to the rail somewhere. I guess that's one less step when freeing the preventer. The H23.5 cabin top goes right to the edge of the boat; there's no side deck. This makes it a long reach down to the chainplate U bolts which are right on the gunwales. I'd have to lie flat on my stomach to reach. Maybe I'll try hooking a short line to the chainplates on each side, then clipping these (slackly) straight up to the lifelines or a stancion. Then the vang or whatever I use would just clip to the end of this line. ...RickM...
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