Mainsheet, outhaul & cunningham design

[patrickc]

I have recently purchased our P35 and currently replacing all the running rigging, and rethinking the current set up.

Our current mainsheet has two fiddle blocks but no cam (4:1), sheet runs along the underside of the boom in metal loops supported by a 1/4" line to the mast and then aft to the winch (port side). The winch as it is located seems like it would be hard to get to at some points of sailing.

I'm thinking of changing to the following:
Papoose double end 4:1 mainsheet set up consisting of two fiddle blocks, 1 with cam only, no bracket, other end of the line will lead to a block on the underside of the boom and then leading to the mast, etc... to the port side winch. I figure that I would generally use the end boom control but if I want more control or if I have a trimmer, we would use the winch, especially gybing.

With only about a 250sf main sail area, I could eliminate the sheet running to the winch and increase the end boom mainsheet to a 6:1 tackle.


There is currently no outhaul set up. I'm going to provide a basic 4:1 external cascade outhaul system consisting of two 2:1 tackles leading to a camcleat about 1/3 from the end of the boom.

Current cunningham for the main is weak, only a 2:1, going to modify to a 4:1 and lead the line back to port near the port side winch so I have the mainsheet and cunningham control at the same location .

Any input would be much appreciative or what has worked well on your P35.

~Patrick

[Peter O]

I've got a six part double ended sheeting system to the end of the boom. the beauty of the double ended sheet is you can haul sail in fast using both ends of the sheets for a 3-1 purchase. Then use a single sheet for 6-1 when more power is needed. Had a 4-1 system but found it a challenge to haul the main in and down when on the wind.

I've tried running the mainsheet forward and then back to the cabin top on two boats. The added friction of the extra blocks meant I spent a lot of time on the winch. Seems I needed the winch to trim the main and could only haul in slack line by hand.

Have a 4-1 Cunngham while the outhaul is 3-1. The outhaul takes a strong put tension on the foot when the sail is drawing.

[jimesh]

My boat (#298) came with the mainsheet run forward and back to the winch on the port side of the cabin roof. I did not like and changed it immediately. b To much friction, bad position for singlehanding. I put fiddle blocks with a cam on the lower one (Schaefer) on the end of boom and traveler and kept the 4:1 ratio, but ditched all that mainsheet routing to the cabin roof. Now I just trim directly on the traveler and cleat with the cam. Much quicker and more convenient either single handing or with crew to handle the main. I'm generally satisfied with this arrangement, but do agree with Peter that in strong winds the 4:1 can be a bit tough to trim in and a 6:1 or winch would be nice there. 6:1 makes too much sheet in the thingypit for my taste and we live with the 4:1. With the wide articulation possible on the lower fiddle block it's probably possible to put a small winch (e.g. the one from the cabin top, and another like it) on the coamings for this situation.

No cunningham but I have the internal 4:1 outhaul system that came with the boat originally. I replaced the line once and freed up the workings but it's still stiff and not ideal to my mind. I'm planning on reworking it again this winter and would welcome ideas.

I'm curious Peter. How do you trim both ends of the double ended mainsheet at the same time? Sounds intriguing.

[natashacapt]

I did the same as jimesh and am very happy with same reservations re: pulling it in strong winds but it hasn't been a real problem so far.

[hirover]

I've got a double ended main sheet block set up from Ronstan. Instead of one end of the mainsheet terminating in a becket on one of the blocks, both ends of the sheet exit at the lower block each with it's own cam cleat. For quick take up, pull on both sheets with a 3-1 purchase. For max power pull on just one sheet for 6-1 leverage. The 6-1 purchase has been no problem trimming the main and the 3-1 side is great to control the boom coming over on a jibe. The only issue is be sure and put a stopper knot at the bitter end of both ends of the sheet. If you aren't paying attention, you can let one end of the sheets run through the block and then life becomes interesting.


Just checked the price on the system like I have at Mauri Pro and it's $951.66. That's very outrageous. IIRC, paid less than a third of that. Might want to shop around and see if there are better deals out there. Garhauer.com has a similar system and it's under $200. It's listed as a vang, not a mainsheet system if you go to their site.