Hurley Silhouette Rigging

[Swampydog]

Hi,

Can anyone advise please? I have been renovating a plywood Silhouette 17' from late 1950s. I am trying to understand the rigging. Stays and shrouds are present, but I don't know if the boat requires a topping lift or not? Also, there is no traveller or even a block for the main sheet - what is the normal set up for this end of the rig?

Any advice gratefully received, thank you in anticipation!

 

[Tranona]

You will need a topping lift to keep the end of the boom up. Unlikely there would have been a traveller for the mainsheet. Probably a sheet horse on the aft deck or two blocks. Have a look at photos of others or similar boats to see what is possible.

 

[Swampydog]

Great, thanks for the speedy response and advice. I have studied other photos, but it isn't always clear what is what, so your advice is appreciated.

 

[VicS]

There is a some info on the Silhouette pages of the Hurley Owners Association website

http://www.hurleyownersassociation.co.uk/pages/sil.htm


You may find more on the Silhouette Owners International Association website

https://www.soia.org.uk/

 

[jac]

My Father had the big sister, the Felicity in the 1970's.

Definitely a Topping lift. The Felicity had a horse that went over the tiller and a block slid along that. I don't recall seeing them on a silhouette so if you don't have one I wouldn't be surprised. The loads should be fairly light so a beefed up dinghy style arrangement should work.

That said - she's your boat. Fair play if you want to rig her as she would have been when new but if you would prefer a traveller then ensure the aft deck where you fit it is reinforced for the fittings and go for it.

 

[Swampydog]

Thanks, everyone. I will definitely put on a topping lift. I think probably a simple dinghy style system as mentioned will be in order.