Help me figure out how to solve my mainsheet challenges

[patrickza]

The previous owner put on a hardtop (I like) and then moved the mainsheet to a not very secure arch. Moving it back to the original location means the hard top would interfere when it's past the corners.

The rigger has given a few options, but they all have pros and cons, really could use some more ideas if anyone has. Boat is a Catalac 9M:

 

[chris-s]

Two separate blocks looks like the simplest solution.
Fitting it back in its original location and constraining it with a couple of bars just sounds like it’s going to cause problems at some point.
Probably the ideal option is to fit the traveller on top. If it’s secured to the upright poles maybe with some standoffs to clear the solar panels.
You may want to look for a used traveller track that is more substantial and would accept be mounted at the ends only. Then run the main sheet down one side of the cabin to a cleat/jammer. Take a look at those Beneteaus and other similar boats around you that have the traveller on the doghouse and you will see how they attached at the ends only.

Chris

 

[fredrussell]

How far above the hardtop is the boom when sailing close hauled? Can we have a pic of the boat side on? I think it’ll help.

 

[patrickza]

Here's a side on shot. Not perfectly at the side but it should give you the idea:

 

[William_H]

It does not look like you have room for a boom vang between the boom and the hard top. So you will need a way of holding down the boom when close hauled. I have never heard of a track that can be attached only at the ends. Would need a substantial backing. Loads on the track can be huge. Although if the support tube in the middle couples to the track effectively this may suffice.
All this seems to dictate an arrangement as seen in the last picture or a sheet to each side of the boat. A pain when tacking but perhaps you dp not do a lot of tacking. ol'will

 

[Laminar Flow]

May I suggest twin main sheets attached to the out side, rear corners of your hard top.
I have used a similar system on a large ketch offshore. This worked very well and also acted as a boom vang over a wide range of angles and is an excellent way to control the boom.

To calculate the probable load use 1 lbs/sqft.

Best, A.

 

[Cptsideways]

Use your original track on the rear end of your roof top facing backwards as such

 

[dunedin]

Use your original track on the rear end of your roof top facing backwards as such

Yes, why not put the traveller across the back of the hard top.

Remove the jamb block and instead lead the loose end of the sheet forward to the mast base, and back down the side - a bit like a “German mainsheet” system.

 

[B27]

How much would you need to lengthen the boom to clear the corners?
You might achieve some of this by moving the gooseneck away from the aft face of the mast, and maybe the rest by modifying end fittings.

You could put some guard pieces of some sort to protect the corners, so long as you can stop the sheet jamming.

A track on the hard top sounds like the proper answer, but being so close to boom height it may need to be curved?

 

[steveeasy]

Just get a longer boom and put it back in its original place. It’s quite an important part of a sailboat.
Steveeasy