Mainsheet Location Advice

Fractional rig so no backstay. I would need to install a u-bolt either side of the rear deck to make a bridle to clear the tiller. It was on my list of possibilities and is still not discounted. If the mainsheet starts tripping me up that's the way I will go. It does mean you have a lot of mainsheet lying about as you need a lot on the cascade to let the boom out for running.
 
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ProDave said:
Okay totally radical suggestion:

Move the main sheet attachment point to the end of the boom.

Bring the main sheet down to the transom.

This is what my little Frolic 18 does and it seems a good arrangement. The main sheet attaches to the same point as the back stay, which is a bridle that comes down either side of the transom bridging over the tiller.
Click to expand...

Lakesailor said:
Fractional rig so no backstay. I would need to install a u-bolt either side of the rear deck to make a bridle to clear the tiller. It was on my list of possibilities and is still not discounted. If the mainsheet starts tripping me up that's the way I will go. It does mean you have a lot of mainsheet lying about as you need a lot on the cascade to let the boom out for running.
Click to expand...

Or a couple of ideas languishing in my P'bucket albums that avoid a bridle as such , and of course a horse

34bcd24f.jpg
 
I Agree with Pro dave, Its what I've done on my windy, but the mainsheet is attached to a car on a traveller the width of the transom. Yes I needed more mainsheet, but I think the advantage is, the mainsheet and traveller are at the rear of the boat, where they are out of the way of any crew. I am still experimenting with a system for controlling the car, so I can centralise it more when required. The tiller goes through a hole in the transom and slides into the tiller. I think that might be a prblem or you. Good luck
 
The simplist idea is to fit it to a floor mounted U-bolt. I have one almost the right length. However if it proves problem I'll go for the aft deck mounting. More expense though. I already have the tackle for the centre mainsheet.
I've found whilst experimenting over the years that going with what you have initially can sometimes either negate the need for alternatives or suggest new ideas which hadn't been apparent before.
 
Posted a reply but seems to have disappeared!
Isuggest that you could fit a mainsheet hoop as fitted to Merlin Rocket dinghies.I suggest you fit two 1" ply or hardwood pads beneath your flange either side of the casing and epoxy in place.Fit a 1" o/d U hoop on the pads using stainless screws to secure the hoop.You will need a 1" dia stainless ring welded to the top of the hoop to secure the lower block of the mainsheet. The flange will be used to prevent upward deformation and support the pads.
ianat182
 
Very amusing options.
However I am looking at a 17ft boat with a main less than 90 sq ft so I think I'll go with what I have and fix it to the floor bearer, as you suggested.
The bridle over the aft deck has some merit, but I have had problems in the past with yards of mainsheet getting taffled with the tiller. Until the centre fitting proves itself to be unworkable I think that's where I'll stay.
 
I think that the over-riding factor in the search for a solution is the distance between the mainsheet and the end of the tiller because this is the space through which you will be rushing when you tack. If this is not sufficient, the mainsheet block will have to be shifted aft, possibly running on a 'soft horse' arrangement that straddles the tiller. Difficult to say without seeing the boat.
 
Go for an aft mainsheet with bridle attachment. You shouldn't have any more rope as you don't need so many purchases if you move it aft. And I would have thought a 2:1 would be plenty with a tiddly main like yours.
 
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