Re-rig the mainsheet

[kokko]

After sailing the Truelove this past weekend, I have decided to re-rig the mainsheet. In particular, I want to eliminate that triangle of mainsheet on the stern - it gets hung up on the engine and the tiller.

I plan to rig with mid-boom sheeting. I will replace the single blcok midboom with a single with a becket, and replace the single block on the centerboard trunk with a double block - probably a fiddle block.

If there are others out there that have re-riggd their mainsheet, I would like to hear from them.

[calden]

kokko:

I vaguely remember this coming up before a few years ago. Someone brought up the idea that the DS boom isn't strong enough to tolerate the stresses from mid-boom sheeting, and in a sudden heavy gust it could fold in half. Wouldn't that be fun? Don't know that this is true, just recalling what was noted.

I had the same problem with the mainsheet hanging on the engine. I attached a simple stationary engine mount to put the engine aft about 8" and it works fine now.

Carlos

[Sean McGuire]

I would think that the booms on a DSI and a DSII are the same, just different hardware. I doubt that applying pressure in two places instead of three makes enough difference to break a boom. I would look at the DSII forum page for advice on blocks and cleats to change over from end-boom sheeting to mid-boom. The only other difference I can think of is that with mid-boom sheeting, roll-reefing would require a reefing claw. If you have slab or jiffy-reefing, it doesn't matter.

Sean McGuire
1984 DSII "Iona"

[crawford]

I switched mine over, as many of us have done. I love the simplicity of the mid boom sheeting. I am not worried about the boom "folding in half". That comet that is going to collide with us will be more of a sure thing.
look in my pics, crawford, there are a few pictures of the completed rigging.

[persephone]

Hello,

I have some experience with mid-boom sheeting. I had a Javelin for 3 seasons before buying my '73 DS1. Both were/are mid-boom sheeted. I have been in very windy conditions in the Jav, maybe 20 steady, gusts of 25 with no problems. The DS has it's original boom and the previous owner had it set up for mid-boom for some time before I bought it, boom is nice and straight.
The only tales of boom bending I have heard first hand are when a vang is used as a preventer and one tries to sheet the main in further without letting go the preventer...happened to my Father.
The only other advice I give on mainsheet systems is on cleating. My old jav had it's original setup, on the trunk was a double block with cam cleat. Problem was to release the line it had to be pushed down...tough to do when that gust hits (usually had to keep a foot on the top of the sheet when it got gusty to release at a moments notice). The DS releases by pulling up, much easier to do in a pinch. Not gospel, just my opinion.
Good luck.