TOPIC:

My wife struggles to pull in the jib sheets and I think one of the problems is the tortuous route the sheet takes after passing through the initial jib lead block. Basically from the lead block it goes forward under the deck, around a sheave less than perfect angle to come out the top where a cleat is placed. There are almost two 180 turns with this setup. Ideally I would like a cleat on the lead block so that the sheet only has to do one 90 turn. I'm sure I have seen this on some other Albacores, so was wondering where people got the fitting from?

Richard...Photos show 3 options for Alb Jib sheeting arrangements...








Rgds Mark

Thanks Mark.

My current setup is most similar to your 3rd photo, with nearly 2*180 degree turns. What I aiming for is something like your 1st photo, which to me looks like it would be a lot easier to pull.

I've now established the fact that Allen Brothers do a cleat that attaches directly to the jib car, but suspect only their jib car - need to find an example to see if I can retrofit.

www.allenbrothers.co.uk/item_detail.asp?prod_id=99&id=690

We've now got a setup like no 3 in our newer boat after having the old cars with cleats. My helm thinks it's all too much as the sheets don't ease in light weather (so I had to use just one block and no cleats) but the next item on the shopping list is some much thinner smooth jib sheets to run through it better. But how do you stop it all chafing on the mast ram as you tack?

I'm also interested in those Barber haulers (the white ring on the blue rope) which I've used in other classes. Do they work well on Albacores and does a narrower slot pay off as in the Merlin?

I have always preferred the Holt Allen "Enterprise" type with the vertical jammer, because they are vertical they always jamb and release when you want, its direct and uncomplicated, especially in light breezes, unfortunately they are not a cheap option.

I also find that it is way too easy to compromise the slot with very close sheeting so I wouldn't barbour haul closer than the tracks shown in the pictures.

We don't have cleats at all, just ratchet blocks, crew cant leave cleated when we tack, constantly trims jib, you could always fit cleats on the side deck by the shrouds so if its windy it can be cleated. As to Barbour haulers, they are to pull the sheet outboard when reaching but with a dangly pole you don't need them, hope this helps Graham

The photographs that Mark Fowler put up are very good. The middle of the 3 photos is Barney's wooden woof 6701. It is set up the same way as almost every North American boat. The jib sheet goes through a single turning ratchet block typically a 55-60 mm ratchet from Harken or Ronstan, then is lead across the boat to a cleat on the opposite side where the crew is sitting. In light winds you can use the cleat on either side.

This system is much easier to pull in. The better the block you use the easier it is to hold the jib sheet without cleating as the better ones typically have more holding power due to better friction against the rope.

The best ratchets in my experience are the Ronstan 60mm RF62100:
www.roostersailing.com/merchant2/merchan...=1&Product_Code=1077

and the Ronstan orbit 55mm RF56100:
www.sailboats.co.uk/Catalogue~Ronstan_55...O-RF56100~c4973.html



I have used these blocks on mainsheets in my last 2 boats which have no mainsheet cleats. They will really make the jib sheeting much better as there will only be one block, and they have good holding power so the sheet can be more easily held while trimming.

George

George is correct, the best ratchet block, if still available is the 60mm.

This is the former Fredrickson brand with finer 'teeth' giving a smoother & more responsive operation.

I have used the Allen fitting, but it does need modifiying to improve the angle of the jib sheet, in standard form the cleats are suitable for an Ent. where the fairlead track is on the deck, & so at a more suitable height for the crew to pull.

I have a modified one somewhere that we used on 7143, I'll. get a photo.

Mark.

Re the Allen tracks and vertical cleats, We use these too, best idea is to bend the vertical plate forward slghtly so that crew can use or not use cleats, also lose the barbour haulers, they are an ornament.