Dinghy development: Kite halyard friction (asymmetric)

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Kite halyard friction (asymmetric)

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11630
Printed Date: 12 Jul 25 at 3:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Kite halyard friction (asymmetric)

Posted By: JP233
Subject: Kite halyard friction (asymmetric)
Date Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 10:13am

Hi,
Just wondering what everyone's thoughts on friction in the asymmetric kite halyard system,
Also what they think the best solution is, new rope, new blocks ect.

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Thanks
Jamie

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 10:17am

Its going to be different for every problem. Clapped out blocks can cause a lot of friction, so can old kites that are no longer shiny and slippery, so can ropes that are all twisted up. So check each block individually, does it turn smoothly, does it still turn smoothly if its still under load (v important check easily missed)... If you spray a tenners worth of dry lube all over kite chute and sock do things get better, no easy answers I'm afraid.

Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 10:19am

D1 - we're tending to go for low friction rings for the block on the mast. I'm stillusing 5mm so it's not been too much of an issue.

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the same, but different...

Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 11:34am

Some strip the halyard jacket off the areas where the rope is not handled, leaving just the core, for reduced diameter and freer running.

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Posted By: Dougal
Date Posted: 01 Sep 14 at 11:37am

Originally posted by JimC

Its going to be different for every problem. Clapped out blocks can cause a lot of friction, so can old kites that are no longer shiny and slippery, so can ropes that are all twisted up. So check each block individually, does it turn smoothly, does it still turn smoothly if its still under load (v important check easily missed)... If you spray a tenners worth of dry lube all over kite chute and sock do things get better, no easy answers I'm afraid.

I've just replaced the spinnaker halyard block on the Fireball. (I unpacked the boat after an event to find lots of little ball bearings down by the mast foot...). I knew the halyard was stiff but assumed the issue was in the mast. Once the block was replaced with a nice shiny new harken one the kite is going up beautifully. As Jim says, it could be anything, but I'd certainly recommend giving all the blocks a once over.

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What could possibly go wrong?