Paddydog`1
Well-Known Member
In order to trim my genoa better I would like to fit adjustable genoa cars. In very simple step by step terms how do I do this using my existing cars which I have to adjust manually?
Adjustable genoa cars
- Thread starter Paddydog`1
- Start date
widgeon
Well-Known Member
To convert mine I removed the locking mechanism from each (Lewmar) genoa sheet car and bolted on a small block using the same fixing holes. I then added a u-bolt ahead of each genoa track (my track end stops didn't have a built in sheave facility) with a single block and becket attached. I put a jamming cleat on the outside of each cockpit coaming. The car towing line runs from the becket aft to the block on the genoa car, back through the fixed block at the forward end of the track and then back through the jamming cleat.
I find that the car naturally moves aft hen the car line is eased. The car towing line is long enough to reach the spinnaker sheet winches, but they can't really be towed forward against a powered-up genoa.
I find that the car naturally moves aft hen the car line is eased. The car towing line is long enough to reach the spinnaker sheet winches, but they can't really be towed forward against a powered-up genoa.
West Coast
Well-Known Member
What cars do you currently have? They might be convertible, I have lewmar size 2 and replaced the plastic strip inserts with telron ball bearings from lewmar to make the cars easy to move under load, removed the car locking pins and fitted adjusting rope system - works a treat
William_H
Well-Known Member
Towing genoa sheet block cars
As widgeon says you can not hope to move them under load. So you must move them as you furl the or unfurl the jib when adjusting for wind strength changes or point of sail change.
I don't think the cars would move back of their own accord. You could fit strong bungee cord to get them to slide back. You then fit a tackle to pull them forward. if the bungee idea is not successful then fit yet another pair of tackles. By using a winch to move cars you can cut down on purchases needed.
I would say definitely worth doing for best efficiency with furling jib. good luck olewill
As widgeon says you can not hope to move them under load. So you must move them as you furl the or unfurl the jib when adjusting for wind strength changes or point of sail change.
I don't think the cars would move back of their own accord. You could fit strong bungee cord to get them to slide back. You then fit a tackle to pull them forward. if the bungee idea is not successful then fit yet another pair of tackles. By using a winch to move cars you can cut down on purchases needed.
I would say definitely worth doing for best efficiency with furling jib. good luck olewill
bromleybysea
Well-Known Member
Mine move back of their own accord when under load. As has already been said, moving them forward has to be done when the load is released. Having easily adjusted genoa cars is probably the single most important contribution I have made to my boat in terms of improving sail trim, especially now I've got a decent furling genoa from Crusader, gawd bless 'em!
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James Marinero
Well-Known Member
Definitely worth the effort. I wish mine had a towing car (don't ask). I use snatch blocks - better than nothing and more like a Barber hauler really. Do it!
Paddydog`1
Well-Known Member
thanks all
mdonnelly
Well-Known Member
There was an article on this in July's PBO magazine, number 549.
Paddydog`1
Well-Known Member
what did it say?
charles_reed
Well-Known Member
You can buy, ready made Barton adjustable systems for their tracks. It does mean you have to change the cars.
These come with either a 2-part or single tackle.
It is easy to under-estimate the amount of leverage required to move the sheeting point forward under load, so I'd recommend one that gives plenty of mechanical advantage.
I fitted mine about 12 years ago and they've proved very useful.
pagoda
Well-Known Member
Which ain't too bad for trimming really.
If you have a big genoa, moving cars without unloading them is not easy. A couple of spare blocks and a snatch block a can make a huge difference. with a temoprary barbour hauler?
Other wise have somebody BIG briefly stand on the sail end of the sheet , foreward of the car, then slide the car fore or aft as you need?
Not elegant? but works
Graeme
mdonnelly
Well-Known Member
PM your address and I'll post it to you.
snooks
Well-Known Member
It all depends on your existing genoa track. If it's old and needs replacing you can get a new and pricy all singing and dancing cars with full bearings that you can adjust adjust under load, but the cost the price of a chart plotter.
If your tracks are T sections measure the diameter and go and have a look at the Barton catalogue. They have updated their towable upgrades and can provide plastic inserts to fit your track. These can't be adjusted under load so adjust the windward one, then tack
If your tracks are T sections measure the diameter and go and have a look at the Barton catalogue. They have updated their towable upgrades and can provide plastic inserts to fit your track. These can't be adjusted under load so adjust the windward one, then tack
