Mainsheet traveller, toggle, & block question

[LittleSister]

I am in the process of replacing my mainsheet traveller system (after the old one was demolished in an accidental gybe ).

I want to have an arrangement that
(a) avoids the lower mainsheet block clattering on the aft deck when the sheet is loose, and
(b) has the bottom of that lower mainsheet block raised about 6" to 9" (15 to 23cm pre-Brexit) above the traveller (so that the 'working' end of the mainsheet doesn't foul the rudder head/tiller which is immediately in front of the mainsheet track).

Am I right in thinking a 'toggle' (rather than shackle) fitting on the mainsheet traveller will hold a block semi-upright and clear of the deck? (The catalogues/descriptions are very unclear on this, and I've never knowingly seen one in real life.)

If that is the case, how could I 'extend' (from) the toggle so that the block is raised that sort of amount?

 

[Concerto]

You do not mention what size your boat and mainsail are. My thoughts about raising the lower mainsheet block off the traveller would be quite easy. The stainless mooring springs are quite rigid and could probably be used as a suport around a short strop.
https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm?BOATS-MOORING-SPRINGS--MOORING-ROPE-SHOCK-ABSORBER-&l=0000000371

If considering new blocks, you should consider the Easy Marine Easymatic variable purchase blocks. They are expensive, but worth the money, I fitted them to my Fulmar with 3:1 and 6:1 purchases. I see the size 2 have a spring option to keep it upright, which may be the solution you are looking for.
https://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/Easy-Marine-Products.html

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

If you're thinking of the type that I think you are, then there's normally a spring around a toggle or shackle-like fitting to allow articulation and keep the thing upright. Getting it that high would be tricky with a spring. Not impossible, but I really doubt that there's a standard part. I can only suggest elastic from a becket on top of the block up to the boom, raising the track or some self adhesive foam where the block might touch.

 

[Javelin]

Is this for a Samphire 9m ?

If so a split tail mainsheet system might do the trick.
I used to use a similar system when racing big dinghies such as the FD, 505, Javelin, flying fifteen and the like.
I subsequently developed it to work on yachts where the mainsheet attaches to the end of the boom.
In fact I've just fitted one to a Nauticat 33 which allows you to centerline the boom without any significant downforce on the boom end and at the same time eliminates the need for a traveler.

 

[lw395]

Alternative to a spring is a length of plastic hose.

 

[LittleSister]

You do not mention what size your boat and mainsail are.

Is this for a Samphire 9m ?

Well remembered, Javelin, but no, this is for an LM27, with 15m2 mainsail. (The existing simple 4 part mainsheet system is perfectly adequate.)

Looks like I'll have to put up with the clattering to get the height right. (Previous height arrangement was a short length of stainless wire between shackle on mainsheet traveller and the lower block. I still have that wire (it was the track and traveller that were wrecked), but guess a length of Dyneema might do that job better.)

I'm still not clear exactly what a 'toggle' fitting on a mainsheet traveller looks like close up, or what it does (compared to a shackle type fitting), or how it attaches to a block.

 

[BabaYaga]

Alternative to a spring is a length of plastic hose.

That is what I did.
Reinforced PVC hose plus an extra shackle. Could be extended further, I think:

 

[lw395]

That is what I did.
Reinforced PVC hose plus an extra shackle. Could be extended further, I think:

That's the kind of thing.
I do something similar with the jib cars on my dinghy,
If you make the tube as long as possible, you can drill holes in it to insert the pin in the last shackle.
Then pare away the edges so it articulates just enough, or add tape to restrict it.

This kind of thing is handy for eliminating those odd rattles when you're trying to sleep at anchor...

 

[[163233]]

Some excellent suggestions, I tried a bottle screw, but it tended to jam up a bit.

I have some Barton size 2 bits that might be of interest? Traveller, ends and some track.