Forgot password

Mainsheet Position

  • October 12, 2012 12:27 PM
    Quote
    Message # 1101991
    Anonymous member
    I am currently in the process of designing a new dodger, as the previous one needed to be replaced. In addition, it was too short and I'd hit my head on it every time I entered the companionway. The new one will be somewhat taller, but still short enough to see over when standing, and much easier to see through when not.

    The problem I'm running into is that no matter how I design the framework I cannot come up with a design that will actually protect the companionway from rain, due to the mounting position of the mainsheet. As you can see in the photo, I have temporarily tied up a main bar as far back as possible, without interfering with the sheet (assuming the third block was attached to the forward bail.I have temporarily tied what was the forward block to the second bail, and tied what was the middle block to position in between the 2nd and 3rd bails. This would allow me to move the frame back about 10 in, providing substantially better protection from the elements.

    This reduces the spacing between blocks by one half. Do you see any concerns with this plan that I may not have considered? It would still allow free clearance of the sheets as the boom moves from one side to the other.

    Thanks for any suggestions. There is a lot of merit to learning from one's mistakes... I'd just prefer that they not be mine.

    Jack Webb



  • October 12, 2012 1:19 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1102016 on 1101991
    Deleted user
    Jack, Have you considered putting the traveler in front of the dodger.
    It would allow a little more space for the blocks on the boom helping
    to distribute the load.  I also find the area in front of the companion way
    is a place we like to tuck up under when under passage. The third block
    isn't visible in the photo. Obviously the further the blocks are spread
    the more the load is spread out on the boom.  I also added compression 
    posts on the inside of the boom to support the bales. 



    Last modified: October 12, 2012 1:25 PM | Deleted user
  • October 12, 2012 1:24 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1102022 on 1101991
    Anonymous member
    Hey, Jim... Classy Dodger!! (reminds me of "The Artful Dodger" in "Oliver Twist").

    I considered that. I might be more prone to move it aft, as it would take less hardware (I think). I have Bud's SS boomkin, but looking to see if there's anything else I would need to add for it to work. Either way, I would love to have the mid-boom area clear for a sailing awning or Bimini.

    Jack
  • October 12, 2012 1:57 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1102046 on 1101991
    Kevin Donahue

    Jack,

    Have you considered using either a double block or fiddle block on the boom instead of three singles?  By replacing the 2 forward single blocks with a double block or a fiddle block you would only need to use the aft 2 boom bails that are already installed.  

     I'm using that arrangement on my boat to get the aft clearance I needed for my dodger.  It does place the mainsheet load over a slightly shorter area on the boom compared to the original 3 bails, but placing three bails all close together like in your photo would also put all the load in the same area.

    Just a thought.

    Kevin