Fruits Of My Labor (A-113)

[Tony G]

I'm willing to swap this action photo for another action photo from any other member. I'd prefer something from a recent sail or sailing experience.

[Tony G]

From the tack to the aft end of the boom, not including the outhaul assembly, still works out to be 11'-11 3/8". At first I was worried about shortening the boom too much, but, it seems to be just fine (at this point).

[ebb]

Tony, Thanks for this photo series on the boom refit!!

[Tony G]

Ah-Ha! We got a bite. It's still cold in the shop up here in the hinterland. Sure would appreciate some California sunshine to get summer started...I was able to suffer through making some VHMW bushings for the goosneck fittings yesterday.

Now I'm trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to fit a 4:1 or 6:1 block system inside the boom for the outhaul. Oh yeah, I don't want it to be clanking around in there either(rubber padded blocks). I'd like to keep it inside the boom in order to save the outside surface for the reefing system. Of course, it could go between the goosneck and the mast step on the aftside of the mast but that area is already going to be pretty crowded.

If I can figure this one out then maybe we'll tackle the foil spreaders I'd like to paint the spars early this year in hope of getting my @#!whooping out of the way, right away, so then I'll have all summer to fix them

Any thoughts?

[Bill]

Now I'm trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to fit a 4:1 or 6:1 block system inside the boom for the outhaul.
Any thoughts?

The rigger who installed a four-to-one outhaul inside the boom on #76, built it in an aluminum tube and slid it into the boom. I believe the tube was split to give access for installing the blocks and line and was then folded closed as it went into the boom.

[Tony G]

Bill,

That's waaay better than what I was thinking. You guys on the coast(s) get all of the good stuff.

I have a couple of questions about 76's set up. Do you find the 4:1 purchase is enough to comfortably/easily adjust the outhaul? Is the fixed block in the system attached to the inner tube mechanically or is there a line attached to it that exits the boom and is tied off somewhere to 'fix' the block's location. Or, is it attached in some manner that my wee-little, land locked mind hasn't even thought of yet? Did the tube add much weight to the boom?

I realize some of these questions may require a trip to your boat to answere. And, of course, if at all possible take some pictures.

[Bill]

These days, I find the 4 to 1 advantage to be marginal when sailing to wind. May be due to my "maturity," but it (and a future jib halyard) is the reason for the port side cabin top winch. It may also no longer be 4 to 1 as there were two owners between selling the boat in 1988 and repurchasing it in 1997.

As for how it's done, sorry, but I don't have a clue. Had it installed by a local rigger who specialized in such things. I'm pretty sure the inner tube and hardware are mechanically fixed. As for weight, the tube material is pretty thin, so I don't think it's an issue.