missing specs on outhaul?

[Marc]

I'm one of the new guys, about to rig my 7.9 from scratch (the previous owner stripped everything except the centerboard line!). In looking at the spec sheet, I don't see anything for the outhaul. I understand from the previous owner that there is an internal something:1 system outhaul system in the boom, so I'd guess it takes a fair bit of line.

I'm ordering line for the whole boat. Any idea how much I need for this?

Thanks.

Marc (#195)

[grandillusion]

do you have the blocks and the wire?

[dave]

Marc, do yourself a BIG favor and replace the standard blocks and purchase for the outhaul before you make that line order. As with all stock outhauls on most older designs and many new ones, the blocks that were used are cheap and prone to corrosion and the stock purchase just isn't enough to get the job done without uncleating the mainsheet and the vang. A proper outhaul will allow a crew member sitting on the rail to reach in with one hand and pull the outhaul drum tight without releasing anything else. Before you ask, yes, it's class legal!

[Marc]

Dave,

Thanks much! But, can you explain a bit? How can I tell if they've been replaced? Do the endcaps come off? Are these off-the shelf blocks or do I have to order from S2?

[dave]

Just remove the end caps, that's how you get stuff in and out of the boom. If I remember correctly the blocks in the boom were Schaefer. You need to go with something that has bearings because they are fittings that never get seen or serviced once installed. Also, whatever set up you decide on go with a cascading purchase system. Less friction and fewer chances for the tackle to rap on itself inside the boom.

[BarryE]

dave is right, the original schaefer blocks are a little stiff, go to harken and things will work smoother.
As far as the assembly is concerned, its been years since I've crawled inside my boom but starting from the back, there are three pully sheaves in a row, mounted on a peg that is screwed into one side, remove the screws, pull the pin, and all three sheaves drop free.
The center sheave is for the outhhaul, the side sheeves for reefing and or a topping lift.
The center sheave works a short cable with the clew shackle on it and it passes around the sheeve into the boom; there should be a small bullet block at the other (inside) end of the cable, I think, andI sort of remember that the block also has a bail on it where one end of the control line ties off. (if not then the tie off/bail is forward on the other block.) As you might expect, line runs through this block, forward to another block that is fixed forward. The tail of the line drops out through the hole/turning block set along the bottom of the boom about 1/2 way forward. (I'm running on old memories here, so if I'm off by a block or two please forgive me) The end result, is a 4:1 cascade inside the boom. I use 1/4" line.
Also, replace the jam cleat with a cam cleat, and put a big stopper knot on the end so that it hangs down about 10" where it can be grabbed from crew leaning in from either side.
Since my boat is out in the garage I can go take look tomorrow and provide a better picture in my next post.

[dave]

I use a swivel type cleat under the very forward end of the boom. That way no matter how low the traveler gets when sailing upwind or how far out the boom goes downwind the tail is ALWAYS within easy grabbing distance of the crew without leaving the rail. Any control that causes anyone to have to leave the rail to work is pretty useless in my book. I also use a 6:1 purchase for the reasons already mentioned. A 2:1 connected to a 3:1 fits the bill nicely

[Marc Marschark]

I admit that I can't picture all this, but I get the rough idea. I'll retrieve the boom home in a week or so from where the boat and take it apart. Then, with what you've all laid out, I'm sure I'll figure it out (or ask you).

I'm trusting that it's all intact in the boom. So no estimates on line? Twice the boom length plus tail?

[dave]

It's literally impossible to estimate line length without knowing how you plan on rerigging the outhaul. It's not rocket science. Pretty self explanatory once you start pulling things apart. To save yourself some time and up the learning curve, get something thin at least as long as the boom to pull things trough. Small PVC pipe works and is cheap, but a fishtape, old cable or batten will also do the job. Before you pull the old rig out remember to sew or carefully tie a messenger line to the tail that exits the bottom of the boom. After you get the new rig put together you will use this and the tube [or whatever] to pull the whole thing back into the boom and into position. Check this out. It should give you a good idea of what's involved, although it doesn't show a 6:1 cascade, it does show some of lesser value. You should be able to go from there.

http://www.harken.com/rigtips/outhaul.php

[Marc Marschark]

Thanks, Dave! The diagram really helps a lot!

The problem with a lot of this (for me coming from a much simpler boat) is that the previous owner stripped all of the lines from the mast and boom so there aren't any messengers for me to see how it was done originally.

Diagrams are good!

[Tim Bosma]

Marc,
I am planning on re-rigging ours this spring, I will be replacing the bocks with Harken #342 and 343, and using 40' of 3/16" sta-set line. One of my objectives is to lead the line out the front of the boom, down to the deck and back on the cabin top.
p.s. ours is rigged like the 5:1 in the Harken pics.
Thanks,

[Marc Marschark]

Thanks, Tim. That gives me a good starting point.

I will be getting the boom on Sunday or Monday (the boat is stored about an hour away) and then I can have a look.

I learned a lot with my first keelboat (a San Juan 24), but it was simple compared to all this stuff. I'm gaining another complete set of skills!

Marc

[Marc]

Now I know why I was having so much trouble understanding the boom! It's been about 15 years since I sailed on a boat with a flattening reef, and I'm now realizing that the wired, 3-block assemblies must be for a flattener.

I assume the wire goes all the way to the grommet, pls let me know if I'm wrong.

And the other two must be outhaul and reefing line. Anyone have diagrams? There is a sheave on the side of the boom that I can't figure out.it

[dave]

The block and tackle is the outhaul and should be going through the center sheave in the back of the boom. The other two are for reefing.

[Marc]

So much for my brilliant hypothesis.

Is either of the others a flattener? What's the sheave in the side of the boom? Vestigial?