Outhaul setup - whats yours

[carrswood]

Hi all
I have a 32ft Pioneer 10 with the original Sparlite boom (ie no internal block systems etc).

I have a new loose footed main to fit this wekend and I'm wondering what outhaul setup I should rig up? I want it to be adjustable from the gooseneck area - where there is a large cleat to make off on.

If you don't have a modern new fangled purchase system in the boom what purchase system do you rely on?

With room at the clew (whichI suspect there isn't) i'd like to fit a couple of blocks like these to create a 4:1 system:

 

[savsail]

Outhaul Systems

Checkout http://www.harken.com/CatalogPDF/020-ref-boom_vangs-outhaul.pdf
It shows the main systems use on most boats. The one adddition is that I would definately put a top quality block on the clew, this is where most of the friction is and makes a massive difference to the efficiency of the whole system.

 

[William_H]

Outhauls

I have an internal 3 to 1 system using a wire tail to a shackle on the clew. However I bring the rope out under neath the boom down to a pulley on the deck and son back to the cockpit where I can use a winch to tighten it. I find the biggest problem is getting it to loosen for light airs. The pulleys are fairly small so some friction. Also I think the rope tends to go hard in the shape of the tight loops when left for long periods.
I can't imagine the 5 purchase internal as in the diagram above being easy to release.

I have converted to using the 2 sided velcro (hook and pile) wrap to hold the clue to the boom. This is cheaper lighter and lower profile than the track and slider I previously had. About 3 turns of the velcro is enormously strong. It is however a bit tedious to thread up so only suitable if sail is left on the boom.
The velcro I have was sold as cable wrap from a haberdashery store. (Spotlight for those in Oz) It has hook on one side and pile on the other. Not to be confused with velcro which has hook on one piece of fabric and pile on the other. olewill

 

[charles_reed]

Wire tail to a 3:1 internal tackle inside the boom. I use the reefing winch to really get some tension on. As Will says the biggest challenge is releasing tension in light airs.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Ours is simply cam cleated off at the gooseneck. In reality you dont usually need to adjust it whilst sailing but if you try to do so you will either need a block system or you will have to let the mainsheet off to reduce load.

I dont find the need to adjust the foot tension sufficient to warrant the clutter and cost of having blocks. Thats on a 36 footer with a loose footed main and using the boat for some racing. So I would suggest you try it simply cleated off before you decide to go further.