Block Arrangements for shrouds

Maybe he is just starting to see the light!!!

But, must admit, it does not sound like the GRF that we know and hate/love in equal measure...

Go for it GRF

Jon

Originally posted by JohnW   The real GRF would not admit to making a date to look at a Merlin !

Edited by G.R.F. - 18 Jan 12 at 9:26am

Grumpf i would not be confident about putting any ammount of rig tension on those fittings, they bent out of shape with just the tension from our spinnaker guy sheet arrangement on the 505 i would think you will be carrying a fair bot if tension on the V-twin (perhaps 300lbs i dont know) and i would not be confident of them surviving long especially in any decent waves where the rig may pant as the boat slams in waves. Not sure how you could change them mate but i would want a U-Bold set up bolted to the hull, which would give you more space for you block and tackle arangement.

Graeme,

I did the schematic drawing and bill of materials for the (
Merlin) one string system. Can't really post it as it's a multi layered cad file.
Gave it to a guy from Allen bros a while back, no thanks!

What I would say is that it will add a lot of complexity, cost and weight to your boat. Plus it kinda depends on having the hardpoints in the right places too, but that is workable.

I would say that with modern boats with modern masts and sails, you'll see less real need for these systems as the rigs have so much more range on Cunningham and kicker (and sheeting) alone. Sure, in applecores or twelves or even merlins you'll see an advantge in dropping the rig forward for deeper downwind work, but contrary to a lot of belief, you won't see rake getting played like kicker upwind by many guys unless it is a very long leg and there has been a front or something. Big rig rakes are out of the question in most modern assy boats as this would change the hoist height of the chute. Plus courses are usually short so any time faffing with string will yield a net loss.
Sure you can have different rake settings etc but that really just gives you a bit more at the top and bottom ends. It is possible to change fast pins in the water in any boat really, just not practically while racing.

Tbh the purpose of the yacht is to give pleasure to the yachtsman. I think that a lot of the guys in these classes are, if they are honest, more interested in fiddling with their boats systems than actually improving their racing skills. Each to their own!