That Ken not Barber Hauler Jock Strap thing

Mine used to attach to the mainsheet block attachment straps on the boom, a couple of hooks. Never capsized it so can't comment on the ease of release while under duress. 

Originally posted by pondmonkey I plan to fit one this weekend, I'm not sure what the total elastic required will be, but I guess you want enough tension across the centreline, but nothing like maximum stretch.

Can't help with the length, but I'd guess 3-4m would be sufficient, very powerful bungee, 10mm diam from memory. Tied to the kicker take off point on the boom one end, down round a suitable block tied to the bow and with a metal hook on the other end so you can quickly attach to the same point as the other end after hoisting the main, I can check at the weekend but I guess I only have to stretch mine 18 inches to 2 foot max, but its very powerful bungee.




Edited by Roger - 27 Feb 13 at 10:00am

I've already got quite a lot going on with the bow cleat ever since I had that incident when the mast fell down, but I had envisaged an on/off pulley which I pulled tight to engage and slackened when I didn't need it, it maybe could double as a redundant safety so the mast doesn't fall completely down again. At the moment I have an adjustable rake thing, backed up by a bit of spectra so if I let it all go or it slipped through the cleat, the mast won't fall completely down.

Can you pull the front pulley of it to the bow with another block and a cleat?

I think you are all over complicating this issue, the bungee exerts very little downward force and as the boom moves further from the center line that minor force would drop even further as that reduces the tension on the elastic.

I have sailed with one of these on a modern Solo for the last 3 years, it does what it is supposed to in light winds and is never a problem at any other time..




Edited by Roger - 24 Feb 13 at 12:31pm