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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Furler Tack Control

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/22/2007 : 14:21:26

On my CDI furler there is a short line that allows the genny tack clew to be pulled tight towards the drum. The line goes from the tack clew to a shackle on the drum. It loosens up over time. Anyone tried using a block and cam or some other setup for that line?

We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust our sails.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 05/22/2007 14:22:07

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 14:29:11

Can't the tack of the genoa be shackled directly to the furler?

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Bill Arden
1st Mate

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USA
83 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 15:34:17

Don, I've wondered about that myself. I think I've read, though, that the line from the tack to the furler serves the purpose of a cunningham, to tighten the luff of the genoa so that the halyard doesn't have to do all the work.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 17:29:16

I'm thinking that Randy's solution will work. I'm going to try it. I thought the attachment of the jib to be a little sloppy at both ends.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 18:52:17

John, post a photo with parts if you can. I also was looking through the WM catalog and wonder if a properly sized turnbuckle/toggle arrangement would work (page 1098 top left corner item "A"). Not as easy to adjust as a block and cam but it would be sturdy. I don't seem to find a small block with cam in the catalog. If you see one let me know.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 20:34:22

I agree with Bill Arden, the 'lacing' at the furler to the tack let's you manage the tension in the luff. I wouldn't 'fix' it with a shackle.

Paul

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 20:42:34

Bill has the right idea... the integral halyard to the CDI furler is very ineffective as a luff tensioning halyard. Much better is to do as Bill suggest and use the halyard to raise the sail fully to the top and then tension the tack line.

Tensioning the tack line might at first seem to be a difficult task but if rigged properly is very simple. The tack line should be a length of 3/32 braided nylon line. I know... there is no way such a small line will handle the jib... but it is rigged by roving it through the drum and tack about three turns, which equates to six or so strands of the line and is very adequate.

Roving the line several times has a very distinct advantage... it becomes a block and tackle allowing an easy pull to tension the luff of the jib/genny... finish out with half hitches and there will be no slippage.

This is a much easier method than trying to use the integral halyard of the CDI.

Note: Depending on local conditions, if mostly light air, haul the CDI halyard fully aloft to get the jib as high as possible to reduce sail chaff on the life line. If mostly heavy air, position the jib so that proper luff tension has the tack very close to the drum to reduce heeling forces.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2007 : 21:10:18

The reason I've been thinking about some kind of block arrangement is that the current length of line doesn't give me anything to get a grip on in order to pull it tight. But, if I put a much longer line there, I'm concerned that I won't be able to adequately stow the excess without it causing issues with the furling action. Already had to jury rig something with the end of the halyard. The one concern I've had about using a block, though, is too large a block will result in the same problem. I might try using a small block at the base shackle and use the roving idea Arlyn suggests on the tack. I have to set and ponder a while......

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Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
842 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2007 : 00:12:41

Randy,
I've shackled the tack directly to the drum.
This works for me because of dumb luck.

I sail San Francisco bay where daily 20-25kts. are typical.
Lowering the heeling force was important, but I didn't consider
re-tensioning the CDI internal jib halyard.

I use a jib sock so I don't drop the jib, so jib halyard isn't an issue.
I haven't noticed any luff tension issues, but will check it from now on.
Since I always keep it on the trailer, it will be easier to re-tension at home then at the marina.

Thanks, this post answered another one of those why-is-it-done-that-way questions.

Russ #793

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britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2007 : 07:37:03

Randy, to followup:
On JD, I haul the jib as high as possible on the furler, then take the halyard and pass it twice though the shackle on the drum on the same side as the halyard feed groove. The I take the bitter end of the line once around itself above the shackle, then around the top of the plastic drum to the shackle on the other side. Finally I weave the tail of the halyard through the tack cringle and the shackle 3 times and secure with a few half hitches.
That uses the entire length of the halyard and there is nothing to wrap up.

Reading above, I'll modify that process in heavy wind so that the tack is lower by not pulling the jib so high.

The last couple of trips out, Peggy (Admrl) has joined me at the bow to help raise the jib, that has turned out to be a major bonus and anything that has her engaged with boat prep is a good thing.

Now if only I can get her to tie a knot!

Paul

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johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2007 : 13:04:13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUTd9588wE
Watch the last part.....
paulj

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2007 : 15:40:44

So Paul, you essentially have the halyard pulling on itself to maintain tension. I like it. Solves the excess length issue for the halyard and keeps tension on the luff of the sail. Would small block at the tack shackle reduce any chafe problem though?

Now if I could only learn to tie a few knots.

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britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2007 : 20:43:09

John, I think the line is vectran (?) and there is no indication of any wear.

Shackless - Paul

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