Mainsheet on CD-28

[Craig Scott]

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig



rphscott@aol.com

[Captain Mike]

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

The common location to place a mainsheet traveller is just aft of the aft cockpit combing on the poop deck. This leaves the rest of the deck clear, and should not interfere with the lazarette. A jam cleat on the block is simple mechansim to belay the sheet. A mid-boom traveller has many disadvantages: it's always in the way and its ranged of settings is drastically reduced. In addition, the loss of leveraged by moving the fulcum to midship will require additional mechanical advantage in the sheet purchase. Keep it simple may be a good thought to consider. A harken traveller for a mid size vessel should costs approx. $550 according to West Marine catalog.
Many happy repairs.



mattngly@concentric.net

[Joe Sankey]

A friend whose boat we sailed prior to making the decision to buy a 28 has your arrangement. Upgrading to a traveler I can't comment on. However, when we did buy our (former) boat it had the coachroof traveler as on a CD30. This arrangement is a little harder to sail, in my opinion, and it also obstructs the view forward to some extent. However, if you spend time at anchor or at the dock, this arrangement allows you to use the cockpit much more readily. The cabintop arrangement was one of the reasons we bought the boat we did. I like mid boom sheeting. Frankly, from my brief experience your arrangement seemed quite easy to sail. It just doesn't give you the control you might have otherwise.
One suggestion. Whatever arrangement you buy make sure it has line controls, not the standard stops as on most Cape Dorys. Too hard to adjust under pressure.
Best wishes.
Joe

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

sankey@gulftel.com

[Russ Campbell]

Craig, I did exactly the kind of upgrade you are talking about three years ago. I couldn't be happier with it. With the system like you have on your boat or a traveler on the poop deck the mainsheet effectively eliminates half the cockpit. And on jibes its a pain to drag all the lines across the cockpit.
I put a Harken traveler on teak blocks just forward of the cabin hatch with control lines that run under the dodger and back to the cockpit. My wife can move the boom across the boat in a 25 knot breeze with little trouble. I figure I spent about $1000 on it. I have pictures I can send you or you can check it out online at http://members.tripod.com/~jengle/index.html
. I'm not sure where on this site it is as its been a while since I've been there but I sent an article to this site on the work I did. If you want I can send it to you. Good Luck
Russ

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

camroll@together.net

[Russ Campbell]

On Jim Hengle's page go to "Tips" in the frame on the left and then to "Tips from the past" scroll down and you'll find me. Again if you want a more detailed account and more pictures let me know
Russ

Craig, I did exactly the kind of upgrade you are talking about three years ago. I couldn't be happier with it. With the system like you have on your boat or a traveler on the poop deck the mainsheet effectively eliminates half the cockpit. And on jibes its a pain to drag all the lines across the cockpit.
I put a Harken traveler on teak blocks just forward of the cabin hatch with control lines that run under the dodger and back to the cockpit. My wife can move the boom across the boat in a 25 knot breeze with little trouble. I figure I spent about $1000 on it. I have pictures I can send you or you can check it out online at http://members.tripod.com/~jengle/index.html
. I'm not sure where on this site it is as its been a while since I've been there but I sent an article to this site on the work I did. If you want I can send it to you. Good Luck
Russ

If you go to Jim

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

camroll@together.net

[Lyn Heiges]

Dear Craig,

I have one of the "newer" (1981 #307) CD28s with the aft cockpit traveler identical to that on my 1980 CD27. I agree with Joe Sankey regarding the "stops"! They are impossible to move under any amount of strain and line controls would be much easier. The only negative to these additional lines is more clutter in the cockpit. I have a little "sack" on the rear of the cockpit to place sheets and other lines in which keeps them out of the way and would recommend such a device if you put in the line control system. You have the opportunity to do it in a great fashion since you are starting from scratch.

Best Regards,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

lheiges@compuserve.com

[Lyn Heiges]

Dear Craig,

I have one of the "newer" (1981 #307) CD28s with the aft cockpit traveler identical to that on my 1980 CD27. I agree with Joe Sankey regarding the "stops"! They are impossible to move under any amount of strain and line controls would be much easier. The only negative to these additional lines is more clutter in the cockpit. I have a little "sack" on the rear of the cockpit to place sheets and other lines in which keeps them out of the way and would recommend such a device if you put in the line control system. You have the opportunity to do it in a great fashion since you are starting from scratch.

Best Regards,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

lheiges@compuserve.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships ...<<

You have the arrangement I have, except that I have a cam cleat. That doesn't seem like an expensive addition. You really should be able to release the main sheet in an instant.

Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[scribner]

I sail an older CD-28 and it has a block installed on each quarter, attached to a double sheave block on the boom end. It has no traveler or cam cleat. It is cleated to a standard cleat amidships which is very clumsy to tie with one hand. Has anyone replaced such a setup? I have heard of guys using two mainsheets (one to each quarter) instead. Do any of you have experience with this. Is anyone using a mid-boom traveler? A new mainsheet and traveler system is going to run me over a grand....so I'm looking for suggestions as to how to do it right. Where to place the traveler, etc.
Thank, Craig

Craig:
I have the same set up on Serenitas, Hull 205. Since I couldn't grow a third hand to tie of to the athwartship cleat, I installed a Harken cam cleat between the vent and the existing cleat. Works fine, can readjust the main sheet, cam it off and, when things quiet down, tie it off properly. Simple, for me, has been better.
Regards,
Paul



scribner@channel1.com

[Mike Everett]

That's an excellent idea I think I'll try.
If only I could get the wandering sheet to stop knocking my hat off on a gybe!



everett@megalink.net

[Neil Gordon]

>>If only I could get the wandering sheet to stop knocking my hat off on a gybe!<<

Better than the boom hitting you in the head. <G>

Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Paul]

Hello Craig,

I also sail an older ('76) CD 28 and have the same arrangement. It's called a Crosby rig and is a very traditional way to manage the main boom...(I worked on a 65' Alden schooner that had the same rig!). I'm keeping mine because its simplicity and design makes it unlikely to fail. The bail at the aft end of the boom, the distribution of load to the port and starboard blocks and the single cleat make it very robust for cruising or when conditions deteriorate. As far as gybing is concerned, I too have found the lines to be problematic...makes me more cognizant of the need to be careful before the wind. Consider keeping your sturdy traditional Crosby rig...you may be happy with it in a blow...and spend the thousand on something else nice for your boat.

Often when people meet their life partner they say "I love you just the way you are.." and then they try to change them. I have to resist to urge to treat my boat the same way...I almost made the frivolous decision to unneccessarily change my tiller to a wheel...I don't know what the heck I was thinking.

Paul



rfurman@dmv.com