Well going to the forum has paid dividends again. The problem is easy, I seem to have rigged the sprit boom in such a way that I cannot get the boom to go aft enough. Consequently there is always a huge belly in the bottom of the sail. So my thanks go, again, to Osbert, Wayne and Robin.
They have drawn attention to the fact that the snotter is actually too long and when tightened block to block is still too long. This because I have it on a strop off the mast and which then clips to the end of the boom on a rope bight. The guys also pointed out that the snotter and boom should be near parallel to each other with the boom being held much closer to the point where the snotter attaches to the mast. The key is to maximise the gap between the blocks so that the snotter can be tightened much more.
Someone suggested that
“You can/should adjust the amount of belly in the sail depending on wind levels, more belly in lighter winds - the point is that you may not want to have the snotter as tight as you can make it!”
So adjustments......well it’s been suggested that I remove the shackle/block at forward end of boom and replace it with a simple bulls eye and then tie the snotter through it and run it back around the mast; then get rid of the up-haul on the forward end of the boom. I then need to hoist the main and then tighten the downhaul for luff tension. Then I should push out the boom aft wards until the sail bottom shape looks good. At this point I could then lash the forward end of the boom around the mast twice and back out to the bulls eye with a couple of hitches.
Well, there is now plenty to think about and to fiddle with at weekend but once again it shows the value, depth of expertise and effectiveness of the people in John’s yahoo forum. Thanks guys.
Steve
They have drawn attention to the fact that the snotter is actually too long and when tightened block to block is still too long. This because I have it on a strop off the mast and which then clips to the end of the boom on a rope bight. The guys also pointed out that the snotter and boom should be near parallel to each other with the boom being held much closer to the point where the snotter attaches to the mast. The key is to maximise the gap between the blocks so that the snotter can be tightened much more.
Someone suggested that
“You can/should adjust the amount of belly in the sail depending on wind levels, more belly in lighter winds - the point is that you may not want to have the snotter as tight as you can make it!”
So adjustments......well it’s been suggested that I remove the shackle/block at forward end of boom and replace it with a simple bulls eye and then tie the snotter through it and run it back around the mast; then get rid of the up-haul on the forward end of the boom. I then need to hoist the main and then tighten the downhaul for luff tension. Then I should push out the boom aft wards until the sail bottom shape looks good. At this point I could then lash the forward end of the boom around the mast twice and back out to the bulls eye with a couple of hitches.
Well, there is now plenty to think about and to fiddle with at weekend but once again it shows the value, depth of expertise and effectiveness of the people in John’s yahoo forum. Thanks guys.
Steve
2 comments:
Steve, thanks for posting these issues and their resolutions in such detail. You have a knack for synthesizing everyone's comments and advice into something coherent. It is very valuable documentation for all of us. I will look forward to the next update.
Jon
that's just it really - there is so much superb advice from such knowledgeable people. If you are a newbie builder and sailor like myself, then being able to find it in just one place is a bonus I think. I'm also very biased! I LOVE the navigator design. It suits me perfectly...and I want to make sure I do John and his design justice......so where I've mucked it up, I need to put it right!
Steve
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