Gybe preventer

morgandlm

morgandlm

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After following earlier threads on this topic, I have fitted a length of 8mm double braid from the boom end to a hook at the top of the kicker on my Sadler 26. I have also prepared a long line to reach from the cockpit to a block just aft of the bow and back to the kicker end of the boom line. I think that this set-up will work OK but am unsure how best to handle the lines during a gybe. I assume I will simply release the line at the cockpit end, complete the gybe and then sort out the preventer after the gybe (either removing it or setting it up for the new tack). My concern is that after the gybe, the preventer will run from the block at the bow, outside the shrouds on the old tack and then across the coach roof and on to the end of the boom. Potentially a mess?!

The above applies if having to gybe in a hurry - but is it better to remove the preventer before a gybe when this is practicable? Can those who use a preventer like this please advise how they do it, bearing in mind that some of the time I will be single-handed.
Thanks
Morgan
 
Do exactly what you suggest, just ease the line through the gybe. It's not that much of a mess, and can be done from the cockpit.
 
Mines just a line from kicker point under boom fwd to a cleat ... made fast with a slip knot.
Pull and its gone ... once boom over ... fix again. But then again - I like my things simple and I do often single-hand with this ... in fact I use it more when SH to allow me to stop worrying about unannounced gybes !
 
agree with Tomsk, line to the end of the boom is much better. I rig a line from end of the boom with a bowline in the end, which almost reaches the vang fitting. Bit of bungee and hook from the vang fitting keeps it neat when not used.

Preventer is then a long line from cockpit thru bow snatch-block with a snapshackle on the end. this clips to said bowline and is adjusted as required for broad reach to dead run. With a boom as weighty as mine I use the preventer whenever the wind is aft of the beam. Easier than fixing skulls.

To gybe, just let preventer run and then reset on other side. The benefit of the bowline is that you don't have to reach to the end of the boom to re-rig.
 
Best point on the boom is the end as that provides the most levarage. If your sail is loose footed, it is the optimum position . However, practicalities dictate that the easiest point is one that can be reached from the boat while boom is right on the beam
 
[ QUOTE ]
...However, practicalities dictate that the easiest point is one that can be reached from the boat while boom is right on the beam

[/ QUOTE ]

Aha! I did say that I had left my brain at home... that makes very obvious sense! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Re: Unless...

Or some boats have a short line permamently rigged to the end of the boom and clipped onto a bit of bungy under the boom for 90% of the time. Unclip it and tie/clip your preventer onto this when you need it.

End of the boom is far better. I know of more than one boat that has broken their boom by putting the preventer on at the kicking strap point. In the trade winds if you roll the boom end under, the strain is huge. Why get into bad habits in home waters?
 
Why to the kicker attachment point ? Because its inboard and easily reached ....

If on end of boom - that means it's more permanent and only accessible at attachment when boom is centred. The line I use is actually the line I use to lash my tiller when boat is moored !! It's handy. I plan to actually make up a line with snap links replacing in exactly same layout.

The preventer for me is more to prevent boom swing when boat is wallowing in that 'orrible wind / swell combination that often happens. If the wind really does back onto the sail then I don't want sail held and things to be more worse .. better have boom break the preventer and break mast than lose the boat ...
IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Re: Unless...

true ............ but I started doing it with a handy bit of line - my tiller lashing ........ and you know what they say - old habits die hard !!

But yes you have a point.
 
Re: Unless...

My preventer is not so strong that boom will break ... I intentionally do not use a strong line ... for that very reason. I would expect my line to part before I lose the boom ....

OK if wind shift occurs and its violent and backs the sail - I am in fear of losing the boat as she is bowled over ... preventer will break of the attachment point will pull out ... boom swing and may break mast ... but better than lose boat ????
 
Re: Unless...

You do what you choose of course. I still think that putting the preventer on the end is better. Sheeting in temporarily to attach is another option, and its what I do at the moment on our boat. I also tie a very long looped bowline so that I don't have to sheet in to untie it!

The boat that broke its boom by putting the preventer to the kicker attachment was a classic, 55 foot long, and it was a few hundred miles offshore at the time.
 
No problem ... I\'m not argung ....

As I said ... it was something I started and it's become habit ...

Way I do it is set the boat up ... main against shrouds, genny in / out depends on whether I can be bothered to set that as well. Once main is out and TP is helming ... I nip up and in less time than it takes to write this - I've hitched on ... taken it to the cleat and done.

I can see that having rived lines via blocks etc. is an advantage ... but to be honest .......... I can't be bothered to change it ... I have so many other things to do on my boat I consider more important. And I don't mean that in any rude way at all.

My boat rarely goes outside Solent as I'm not back in UK to sail it that often ... so in reality - fitting extras and "add-ons" is a bit wasted. But don't assume that I am not sailing other places and wider fields ... as I do .... there are those on here that know I was previously owner of 3 boats each in a different country etc. (And you think it costs having one !!)

If I was to sail SA more often - I daresay I would "rationalise" the system. AND if the weather was that strong or bad that I was worried about braeking boom / kicker / preventer etc. - I wouldn't have the sail up or even out there in first place !!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Honest ... it\'s ok ...

I only have 2 boats now ... and about 4 dinghy's .. well last time I checked !

This topic is one I like - cause it shows different sensible approaches to a situation. Each one solving it in the owners required way. Like most things on the boat ... I think about many things I could change ... then you hoist sail ... get out there ... do it the way you've done for years and think - s*d it - why bother !!

I have to admit that my speed-log is still in the bag I bought it in .... 10yr ago !! I did fit the echo-sounder part though (it's a dual display one ....). Just can't seem to drag up the enthusiasm to lift her and drill the hole etc. Terrible I know.

Actually that leads me onto a post I must make ....
 
Just a note but the weak point in this set up is likely to be the block at the bow. I have this set up & last year due to a comms cock up we crash gybed in very strong wind-the block exploded under pressure & a stanchion base took the impact. I still run the same system but have a very beefy block at the bow.
 
Re: No problem ... I\'m not argung ....

[ QUOTE ]
As I said ... it was something I started and it's become habit ...

[/ QUOTE ] Nothing wrong with habits, but you should be prepared to change them.

With a preventer attached to the end of the boom all that happens with an accidental gybe is that the mainsail is backed harmlessly. Nothing breaks, and it is easily sorted by using the preventer to complete the gybe in a controlled fashion or if the boat is still sailing simply come back on course.

Of ourse, it is essential that the free end of the preventer comes back to the cockpit.

Attaching a preventer is best done by bringing the wind just forward of the beam and sheeting in, then attaching the preventer to the end of the boom with a very large-looped bowline so it can be undone from the cockpit even if the mainsheet is fully out.

- Nick
 
Just a thought........

In the event of a man-overboard, the most common advice is for the helmsman to immediately heave-to. Usually this is done by steering away from the boom (boom to starboard, steer to port and vice versa), then reversing the helm after the boat has gone through the wind.

But with a gybe preventer on, this will hold the main out to windward. The foresail will also be backed, and the behaviour of the boat is likely to be unpredictable. Just letting go of the preventer will result in the sail swinging rapidly and uncontrollably across the boat.

Even worse if the preventer has been secured at the bow. To let go, someone will have to go forward in the knowledge that should the preventer break then the sail will swing rapidly from one side of the boat to the other.

If you are going to use a preventer and use the "Quick-stop" MOB method, then remember to release the preventer before the main is taken aback.
 
Re: Just a thought........

[ QUOTE ]
Of ourse, it is essential that the free end of the preventer comes back to the cockpit.

[/ QUOTE ] Perhaps that is why this is suggested by Webcraft and others. I haven't seen anyone on this thread suggesting it should be SECURED at the bow.

IMHO best practice is via a block (or just round a fairlead or cleat) and back to the cockpit so that it can always be released in a hurry.
 
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