Mainsheet block mount for skiff

[mdevour]

The mainsheet block and cleat arrangement for our Weekend Skiff (http://www.eskimo.com/~mdevour/boatproject.html): There are plenty of options available for the actual hardware to use here. I think I can figure out something. My question is more about mounting the danged thing.

Any flange base or other attachment is going to either be screwed down or bolted through something. The bottom planking is ½” plywood. There is a keelson of 3/4" thick by 3 1/2” wide pine.

The idea of 1” wood screws into that keelson just doesn’t inspire me. Bolts right through the hull are fine, except that building it and any eventual repair or replacement gets involved with the fiberglass sheathing on the outside of the hull.

So I’m thinking about a couple of blocks securely screwed from below and epoxied atop the keelson, bridged by a 3/4" thick plank fore and aft, securely screwed and epoxied to the blocks. I would mount whatever sheeting arrangement I want to install to this plank. There would be room below it for a backing plate and nuts and washers, and it would be trivial to service or replace things later.

Again, the sail is only 75 square feet, and the tackle here will be splitting the load with the traveller.

Reasonable?

Mike

[ 03-31-2003, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: M. G. Devour ]

[TomRobb]

I'd mount it to the daggerboard trunk w/ bolts. Make a bracket to hold it if need be. Aside from not making more holes in the hull, the angle from your arm to the cleat is nicer, it's in front of you where you can see it, and the trunk is already in the way, so one more thing there doesn't add to the toe stubbing clutter ;)

[ 03-31-2003, 03:20 PM: Message edited by: TomRobb ]

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

I'd agree with Tom here as well as on your other thread, if I didn't think the double-ended mainsheet was a better arrangement. With that, there's no need for a block to be mounted on the keel, d/b case, or anywhere else on the bottom.

Mike

[Venchka]

Something like this:

http://www.mavc2002.com/caledoniayawl/images/4eb.jpg

http://www.mavc2002.com/caledoniayawl/images/11eb.jpg

[mdevour]

Originally posted by TomRobb:
I'd mount it to the daggerboard trunk w/ bolts. Make a bracket to hold it if need be. Aside from not making more holes in the hull, the angle from your arm to the cleat is nicer, it's in front of you where you can see it, and the trunk is already in the way, so one more thing there doesn't add to the toe stubbing clutter ;) I agree it's easier than what I was thinking of. It also moves the sheet block further forward on the boom.

It does make the mainsheet a tripping hazard for the crew, but I suppose they'll get used to it? :rolleyes:

Mike

[TomRobb]

Life on a small sailboat isn't as carefree as lollygaging about on a windless millpond in a canoe, parisol in hand, nibbling daintily on a bon-bon. Yes, there's stuff in the way, and the more complex the rig the more hazards to be mindful of. Thus my plea for simplicity - especially for novices. One fine example is your choice of a boomed main rather than a spritsail. The reason it's called a boom is that's the noise it makes as it hits your head - BOOM :eek:
I'd pretty much guarentee someone will find out first hand. Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice.

[ 04-03-2003, 11:36 AM: Message edited by: TomRobb ]

[J. Dillon]

Mike, Nice looking boat have a great season.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid58/p21e74a35d32c397588552f3822255207/fc662a1d.jpg

Another possibility is the above.

Shown is an arrangement I have aboard my engine less 18' spritsail skiff.

The oak "pin" ( held upright for pic. by a C clamp) is inserted in a hole on the gunwale . This hole is also used for the thole pins used for rowing.

The top of the pin protudes above the base and has a brass roller. This roller is a home made affair and has needle bearings inside riding on the pin. I used 1' lengths of copper wire maybe about 30 of them. The brass from the top of the pin serves to secure the sheet from getting " lost" and reinforces the pin.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid58/pb03608248a27d34a3231f5365f942b37/fc662a1a.jpg

The second image shows the main sheet in use.(green slack for the moment) Notice the turning block for the main sheet.(right side of image) I also use this arangement for the jib sheet. It allows pulling the whole works out and putting in thole pins or an oar lock. ( check out WB # 140 pg 26 for more details) This season I plan not to take the oars. I hardly ever use them. A wind always come up and I'm not in a hurry to come back being retired and all. ;)

JD