Staysail Hardware size.

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Oct 1st, '10, 16:36

Hello all CD sailors,

I sail a CD30c and I am considering downsizing the staysail boom hardware as part of a project to improve the single sheet system. The PO had a 1/2 inch double block on the boom and I am wondering if 3/8 inch
blocks would be adequate. I often use the staysail in heavy wind but with the recent improvements in lines and hardware, now may be time for a change. The CD archives didn't address this issue so your input will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Dana

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Oct 1st, '10, 16:42

I went to smaller sheets on most everything.

I know the rule of thumb, or hand is, that 7/16 is a good size for handling. The new lines and my hands are strong so I have 3/8 on the staysail. I kept the old blocks, Steve.

Bruce Bett · Post by **Bruce Bett** » Oct 5th, '10, 16:41

Dana:
Are you talking about the block and tackle associated with the the staysail. 3/8" should be plenty strong, after all it's a small sail, but I don't see any advantage in going smaller. I'm curious to know why you want to.

Bruce

Bruce Bett · Post by **Bruce Bett** » Oct 10th, '10, 10:17

Dana:

I got your PM. I'm answering here because I believe this might be of interest to CD sailors generally. You say that because of the way the sheet is rigged, starting at a padeye starboard side running through a block at boom end and through another down on the traveler car, then back up to the boom and down to a turning block on the deck port side, the sheet gets into angles that cause it to bind. I have noticed this problem too, not only with the stay sail, but espically with the main which is rigged basically the same way. I haven't messed with the stay sail yet but I have re-rigged the main. I replaced the double block on the traveler with a triple block with a becket. I move the end of the sheet from the padeye starboard side to the becket. I then wind the sheet through the blocks so that the the last wrap comes out the bottom block (the one on the traveler car running toward the turning block port side. This block is now strictly a turning block, not part of the purchase. Rigging the sheet this way not only takes the twist out of the sheet but eliminates the triangle which has the sheet pulling three was, left right and down. It puts all the pull in one direction allowing you to take full advantage of your traveler. It also puts more of the force on the car traveler assembly (I hope it's up to it). As I said I haven't messed with the stay sail yet, but the issue is the same one. It's that triangle based sheeting that's the problem! I hope this gives you food for thought and I will be interested to see what others think.

Bruce

Ben Thomas · Post by **Ben Thomas** » Oct 10th, '10, 20:37

http://www.photoworks.com/slideshow/alb ... 03=4433951

This works really well on both tacks, I usually keep the boom/traveler on center.

Bruce Bett · Post by **Bruce Bett** » Oct 11th, '10, 09:50

Yes That will work well. It will take out the twist and still spread the load to the deck.

Bruce

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Oct 13th, '10, 14:41

My sincere thanks to Steve, Bruce and Ben for your input on staysail boom sheeting systems and hardware sizes. In a previous lifetime, I was a dinghy racer and rigged my mainsheet as you all advised. For some reason, I failed to recall that design but it work well then and I am sure will solve my current sheeting problem. Thanks again for all your help.
Dana

The Cape Dory Board

Staysail Hardware size.

Staysail Hardware size.

Why do you want to change?

Sheets binding because of bad angles.

Link to what I did with Staysail

Yes That will work.