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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

2071.0. "Outhauls ??" by OTOOA::MOWBRAY (This isn't a job its an Adventure) Mon Aug 16 1993 08:56

    
    Does anyone out there have any good suggestions about main outhauls ?

    Currently I have a block and tackle arrangement on my boom using 3
    blocks and giving a 3:1 purchase to haul out the sail.  I am not really
    happy with it for the following reasons:

    1. It means you have to leave the cockpit and go (somewhat) forward to
    use it and given that it is on one side of the boom that means high
    side sometimes and low others.

    2. It is a lot of stuff on the boom blocks cleat and line and I want to
    re-do my reefing to a single line reefing system with external lines so
    that will mean more stuff on the boom.

    3. The main is quite long (for the boom) I believe that the sail was
    cut using the distance from the Mast to the end of the boom but the
    tack hook at the boom-end is actually about 3 inches from the mast. 
    The boom was originally designed for a roller reefing (old style) and
    so has a large circular end which is designed to hold the rolled main
    neatly.  Ultimately this circular thing will feel the saw as I need the
    sail all the way to the mast.  There is only about 2 inches from the
    Clew of the sail to the end of the boom.  (Main was brand new when I
    bought the boat 2 seasons ago so it is not stretched.

    Given the above, I want to rig a new outhaul (and also move the tack to
    the mast).  I have seen a screw arrangement on some boats ... I don't
    know how well it works (mine would have to be external) but it would
    fit my needs of simplicity, space and keeping it the cockpit.

    ??

    Thanks Graham
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
2071.1Do WithoutMEMIT::HOTue Aug 17 1993 18:5916
    One simple solution may no adjustable outhaul at all.  Not all
    boat/sail combinations benefit from having a minutely adjustable
    outhaul.  If headsail normally overlaps the main, if the mast is a
    rigid masthead rig, if the bottom panel on the mainsail is non elastic,
    then the clew only has one useful position - all the way aft.  That
    goes for all wind conditions.  Adjustment for excessive wind is to take
    in a reef and/or change to a smaller headsail.
    
    If the above are true, then lashing the mainsail clew to an eye fitting on
    the boom end in the max aft position is all that may be needed.  Leave
    it there until the boat is hauled for the season.   Since no adjustment
    is needed, no hardware is needed.  The blocks and line for the old
    outhaul can be removed and recycled into single line reefing
    components.
    
    - gene
2071.2InterestingOTOOA::MOWBRAYThis isn't a job its an AdventureWed Aug 18 1993 09:1515
    Man I hate it when I miss the obvious !
    
    ..... but tell me (and I do like your idea) .... the lower panel of the
    main is very full, it bags out even in pretty strong winds and looks to
    me that it is doing nothing.  My thought was to use the outhaul to
    flatten this.  On the other hand there is a flattening reef on the sail
    that perhaps I could use.
    
    you know you have strarted the wheels spinning here .... this problem
    only popped to the top of the list as I have been flying a BIG #1
    recently with quite a bit of overlap and the boat has been sailing
    higher than I ever thought she would.  (well yes I did pass some boats
    that blew by me before but I hardly even remember that).  Perhaps what
    I am trying to do is flatten the main enough to get a full keel, 1975
    vintage 12,000 lb boat sail within 25degrees of the wind .....  hmmm
2071.3Go For It!MASTR::FRENCHBill French 381-1859Wed Aug 18 1993 09:4312
    >  Perhaps what
    >    I am trying to do is flatten the main enough to get a full keel, 19
    >    vintage 12,000 lb boat sail within 25degrees of the wind .....  hmm
    
    Graham, I think you should definitely follow through with this. If you 
    succeed, think what a contribution you would be making to the sailing
    community. Not to mention the fame that woud accrue to you.
    
    ;^)
    
    Bill
2071.4For me, flattening reef .EQ. outhaulHYDRA::GERSTLECarl GerstleWed Aug 18 1993 12:5722
    Seeing as you have flattening reef, read on...

    When I acquired my C&C 35 from the original owner (who successfully
    raced it for 15 years), I asked about the settings he used for the
    outhaul as it was set with a gooseneck crank. His approach, and mine
    now, is to set the outhaul for the fullest setting you would want in
    med-light air and/or running. Then, as you start to sail hard on the
    wind, crank the flattening reef PLUS cunningham in. Seems to work very
    nicely for me (masthead rig, not very high aspect main).

    Both the cunningham and flattening reef are lead aft to the coachroof,
    so I can pull the 'go-fast' strings whenever I want to maintain a
    decent draft location in the main.

    The flattening reef is a straightforward run: a line from a padeye aft
    on the boom just as you would set up a full reefing line; thru the
    cringle, down to an entrance/exit block, inside the boom where it exits
    just aft of the gooseneck, down to a turning block on the deck and then
    aft to a dedicated winch and cleat. Works like a champ!

    Carl
2071.5JUPITR::KEENANWed Aug 18 1993 14:108
    I'd recommend against keeping the outhaul tight all season. If your
    sail is in reasonable shape, leaving the outhaul tight will stretch
    the foot out of shape. You're better off spending the 30 seconds to
    tighten and loosen the outhaul.
    
    But your sail is 10 yrs old and blown out, who cares?
2071.6GVA05::STIFFPaul Stiff EPSCC, DTN:821-4167Thu Aug 19 1993 04:1511
    Remember that pulling on the cunningham brings the deap part of the
    sail  further forward on the main, so diminishing the power of the sail.
    
    I use the outhaul and backstay / setstays to flatten the sail first,
    then re-position the deap part of the sail with the cunningham - very
    slight movement. 
    
    Finally, I only use the boom vang when the boom starts to swing out
    from the centre line.  
    
    Paul