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Down here in the tropics (Galveston Bay) we really need a full cockpit bimin, but with end-boom sheeting (Mk I) it is not possible. To meet this need, I am planning to move the mainsheet to the coach roof, convert to mid-boom sheeting, and install a full bimini.
A rather new (to me) mainsheet system I have seen on some world cruising boats uses what is essentially two boom vangs attached to a single boom bale and each out to a padeye on either side of the hatch. While probably not good for racers, it seems to make a lot of sense both for ease of operation and cost. This is similar to the "A frame" mainsheet system, but solves the problem of applying vang. When the boom is off center, one line is the sheet and the other becomes a boom vang. Also, on a run you can move one line to the toe rail as a preventer. A standard vang is not required.
I sailed on one boat with this arrangement and was surprised and how easily and efficiently it worked. Has anyone else had experience with this mainsheet system?
Warren Smith
Serendipity
Galveston Bay, Texas
The early-70's C&C 36 Invader/Frigate designs used this system as did Hinterhoeller's Niagara 35. It does keep the cockpit unencumbered, but when installed without a vang, it's a pain to sail with in variable winds because there's no way to achieve the effect of dropping the traveller in a puff; release one tackle and the boom skies on you, which is not what you want. Fine-tuning the mainsail setting is a bore too.
You can get around these limitations simply by having a powerful vang as well. Effectively, you then have a vang-sheeting setup, which should be fine in most conditions.
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
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David,
Thanks for your comments. I have had my time making it around the cans, and put simply - I don't race anymore. Next month I turn 60 and I've left that rabid deck-mokey stuff to the young bucks. As with anything - it 's a matter of compromise, make the boat suite your individual needs. My wife and I love leisurely cruising and think this should work great for us.
An issue is the obstruction of forward visibility caused by the presence of the traveler. Actually I have in hand the car and two end blocks for 4:1 windward sheeting from Harken (mid-range size). I made a mock-up and put on the boat - my wife looked at it and said she didn't want to always stand up to sail - back to the drawing board.
Since I don't push hard, I simply ignore most puffs. If I get a strong one, I'll just dump the windward sheet and let it spill. Basically, I do this now with my end-boom sheeting by not tightening down the vang - kind of an automatic dump! The prior owner put on a full-battened main, with what I suspect is an extended roach. Any wind over about 12 knots and I put in one reef anyway. I still click off better than 6 knots in good trim and that's good enough for me.
Warren Smith
Serendipity
Galveston Bay, Texas
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