Sorry more newbie questions - main sheets

[Eric79]

Yesterday I went with a more experienced friend and our kids to finally rig my boat and get it sailing. Unfortunately we could find the main sheet. We had fun motor sailing with just the jib instead.

When I got home I called the chap I bought the boat from and he assured me he did pack the main sheet for me. We did find a rather ratty looking rope with a block on it I'm beginning to wonder if that was his idea of a mainsheet so have decided my best option is just to buy a new on.

I realise I need a rope (not sure what type) some blocks and something called a traveller (I'm guessing this isn't a homeless man you pay to hold it all in place)? Would really appreciate some detailed advise as to what I need to get. Its a 16ft day sailor the boom has a metal loop and there is a metal runner on the deck by the hatch which I assume it all connects to.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

BTW I took the advice in an eairler post and tied the front stay it worked a treat!

 

[gerryraby1]

Yesterday I went with a more experienced friend and our kids to finally rig my boat and get it sailing. Unfortunately we could find the main sheet. We had fun motor sailing with just the jib instead.

When I got home I called the chap I bought the boat from and he assured me he did pack the main sheet for me. We did find a rather ratty looking rope with a block on it I'm beginning to wonder if that was his idea of a mainsheet so have decided my best option is just to buy a new on.

I realise I need a rope (not sure what type) some blocks and something called a traveller (I'm guessing this isn't a homeless man you pay to hold it all in place)? Would really appreciate some detailed advise as to what I need to get. Its a 16ft day sailor the boom has a metal loop and there is a metal runner on the deck by the hatch which I assume it all connects to.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

BTW I took the advice in an eairler post and tied the front stay it worked a treat!

IMHO, to be honest, it is easier if someone can take a look.
What area are you based in?

Garry www.sadler32forsale.com

 

[Eric79]

north devon - the problem I have is that every time I get to go the boat something goes wrong and we don't get to sail properly I was hoping the next time I go we would finally get it all sorted!

 

[Tranona]

It will probably need a simple slider on the track, a double block and a single with a becket. Sheet, probably 8 or 10mm. Single block shackled to the boom, sheet to the becket, down to the double, up to the single and back down to the double, which is shackled to the slide on the track. You can also get a double block with a jammer.

Have a look in the Barton catalogue for the bits and advice on sizes. All easily available from chandlers, but you will need to check on your track to get the correct slider as the profiles are different depending on manufacturer.

 

[dunedin]

A suggestion. Next time you are at the boat, take your camera and take photographs of everything - then you have a photo inventory which helps with planing work.

For example, wHen I got our boat I took photos of everything as it was when delvered, and again before taking the mast down. And then took photos of all the difficult to get to places like masthead fittings while mast down - so if something breaks can order parts before go up. Mast not an issue on 16 footer but the photo everything rule does help.

 

[prv]

A suggestion. Next time you are at the boat, take your camera and take photographs of everything - then you have a photo inventory which helps with planing work.

+1 - but mostly because photos make it much easier to answer questions here

Pete

 

[Lakesailor]

Really need pictures.
Do you mean the loop on the boom is at the aft end or nearer to the mast? If it's near the mast it will be the kicking strap attachment.

Is this track near the hatch at the stern of the boat or do you have a small cabin with a hatch?

I can't believe it will be that complex for a 16ft day boat. You don't really always need a traveller. Many boats don't use them.

Something like this would get you going (even the block along the boom is unnecessary, just take the sheet straight down from the block on the end of the boom)

or like this on my 17ft boat

or my 13ft clinker dinghy in which the mainsheet went to a block on the cockpit floor

Or this on a Heron

 

[fergie_mac66]

simple mainsheet

some simple mainsheet arrangements here

http://www.glen-l.com/weblettr/webletters-2/webltr18b.html

 

[oldbilbo]

Where is the boat in North Devon? If within striking distance of Watchet, I could readily have a look and *probably* give you the necessary bits from spare stuff I have. ( I have rather a lot of that, as others will attest! ) - and I have a good reason for coming that way soon.

Failing that, if you're too far away to visit, you could perhaps put some pics on here of the existing cockpit setup, and most certainly much the same outcome could result. There may well be other 'needs' that an old hand could spot....

 

[rivonia]

I have come to the conclusion that this person does need a LOT of help. It would do him a power of good to do a simple course with the RYA. Better still OLD BILBO could perhaps go out with him on a few occasions?

 

[Eric79]

Moored in the Torridge. I do need a lot of help! I have started the day skipper course.

I have a very useful friend who an experienced dingy sailor. (He's actually married to an ex- girl friend who's oldest son has become my step sons best friend in school - that's North Devon for you!) I was hoping to sort this one out myself I'm trying not appear too needy. I'm being sensible and not venturing out by myself but the next time we are both free to sail is Saturday week and don't want to waste another sailing opportunity without the proper rigging.

I appreciate all the advice I think I have an idea what do now but I will play safe and nip out to the boat on Tuesday after work and get some pictures.

 

[onesea]

north devon - the problem I have is that every time I get to go the boat something goes wrong and we don't get to sail properly I was hoping the next time I go we would finally get it all sorted!

Do not worry that's sailing for you, it could always be better. The next sail is always going to be the best...

Although the kind help you have been offered here I would like to think is still strong in the sailing community...

 

[Eric79]

Do not worry that's sailing for you, it could always be better. The next sail is always going to be the best...

Although the kind help you have been offered here I would like to think is still strong in the sailing community...

Yeah I'm very grateful for the help I get on these forums.

 

[oldbilbo]

Yeah I'm very grateful for the help I get on these forums.

Hey, you're one of us. Me, too.

That's what we're here for...

 

[William_H]

Yesterday I went with a more experienced friend and our kids to finally rig my boat and get it sailing. Unfortunately we could find the main sheet. We had fun motor sailing with just the jib instead.

When I got home I called the chap I bought the boat from and he assured me he did pack the main sheet for me. We did find a rather ratty looking rope with a block on it I'm beginning to wonder if that was his idea of a mainsheet so have decided my best option is just to buy a new on.

I realise I need a rope (not sure what type) some blocks and something called a traveller (I'm guessing this isn't a homeless man you pay to hold it all in place)? Would really appreciate some detailed advise as to what I need to get. Its a 16ft day sailor the boom has a metal loop and there is a metal runner on the deck by the hatch which I assume it all connects to.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

BTW I took the advice in an eairler post and tied the front stay it worked a treat!

"The metal runner by the hatch" may be the key to your question. This may be what is called traveller. As Lakey showed a main sheet can attach to a point in the middle of the boat. Either a the transom and end of the boom or to a point on the floor to a point part way out the boom. However when beating to windward a main sail can work better if the boom is over the centre line of the boat. To achieve this the attachment for the bottom of the main sheet must be up wind of the centre line of the boat.
On the other hand when reaching it is good if the main sheet can hold the boom down (a vang also does this) by having the main sheet attachment right out to leeward of centre line.
Now this moving of the main sheet attachment is done by having the attachment point onto a slider or car that can be moved along a rail or track. Ideally this car has ball bearing or roller bearings so that it can slide under tension and is controlled by 2 tackles one to each side of the boat. Known as the traveller system.
Now Lakey's lovely picture of the main sheet attached to a rope at the transom allows the later function to happen but does not permit the main sheet to be pulled up to windward. The rope or sometimes a rod bar are mainly to allow the mainsheet to be attached near the stern but where the sheet would not get in the way of the tiller.
I hope this might give you an insight into how your is meant to work. Note a mainsheet part way out the boom needs more purchase (4) but does not need to be so long. While a mainsheet at the transom and end of boom needs lots of rope but not so much purchase. And of course some boats have part of the purchase at boom end/transom and last pulling part part way out the boom. good luck olewill

 

[oldbilbo]

I think I have an idea what do now but I will play safe and nip out to the boat on Tuesday after work and get some pictures.

When you photograph the 'metal runner by the hatch', do measure the width/depth of that, for this will help us identify which fittings - either in a chandlery shop or from one's 'big box of spare bits' - will fit and which will not. There are different sizes for different-sized boats, and we don't want you to have something that won't fit....

 

[sarabande]

Eric

give me a PM with some contact details. Easy for me to come over and spend some time with you if you wish.

 

[Lakesailor]

"The metal runner by the hatch" may be the key to your question. This may be what is called traveller.

I was trying to stay away from travellers. The OP seems to be just getting the hang of sailing. Many travellers spend their lives locked in the centre anyway.

Even some racers seem unwilling to use them.......

until conditions make it essential

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

Your lack of knowledge of how a boat should be rigged indicates that you also know little or nothing about sailing and the potential dangers to which you will be exposing yourself and your children. PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE A SAILING COURSE, or at the very least, buy and read a sailing manual (not a dinghy-sailing one, but one detailing the Rules of the Road, chartwork, pilotage etc)!

 

[Lakesailor]

Your lack of knowledge of how a boat should be rigged indicates that you also know little or nothing about sailing and the potential dangers to which you will be exposing yourself and your children. PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE A SAILING COURSE, or at the very least, buy and read a sailing manual (not a dinghy-sailing one, but one detailing the Rules of the Road, chartwork, pilotage etc)!

You didn't read the whole thread then?

I have a very useful friend who an experienced dingy sailor. I'm being sensible and not venturing out by myself but the next time we are both free to sail is Saturday week and don't want to waste another sailing opportunity without the proper rigging.