Outhaul Internal Boom Sheaves and Rigging

[RaymondP]

With the first season of sailing on my 86 C34 Mk I now ended, I had experienced a hard time adjusting the outhaul.  Taking the boom internals apart looks like the sheaves are crumbling, a real mess!  Can anyone tell me the size of the internal sheaves inside the boom and a source for replacement.  Very open to advice and suggestions on sheave materials as well as modifying the configuration. Currently it is set up to adjust at the mast end but would prefer to operate from the back of the boat as I am often short-handed.

I have the diagram of the current internal arrangements and also notice Catalina Direct sells a replacement "kit" that provides a greater mechanical advantage (10-1?), but does not include all the internal sheaves or a line that is long enough to run to the rear of the boat for easy adjustment from the cockpit. Was thinking I could purchase the individual components and design/modify as preferred, but not sure if it would be worth it.

Would welcome input on anyone's experience in this area as well as potential resources.  Thank you.

[Ted Pounds]

Garhauer Marine, https://www.garhauermarine.com/, can probably tell you you the size, and definitely provide a replacement at a reasonable price.  👍👍

[RaymondP]

Thank you.  Sent them an email.  No other responses as yet.

[Ted Pounds]

Thank you.  Sent them an email.  No other responses as yet.

Best bet is probably to give them a call.  I always dealt with them over the phone.  They're very helpful.  👍

[Ron Hill]

Ray : Call Gauhauer @ (909) 985-7513 or 9993  Talk to Bill Felgenhauer or Quedo

A thought

[Ed Shankle]

Ron, Guido passed away a few years ago.

[Ron Hill]

Ray : Anyone at Garhauer will be VERY helpful!!

A thought

[derekb]

Hi Ray,

I rebuilt my boom and used the 10:1 outhaul kit from Catalina Direct. Part number Z3822. Worked a treat. Added a longer line to extend it to the cockpit (but haven't fully set that up yet).

Regards,
Derek

[Ron Hill]

Derek : Just out of curiosity - Why would you want the main outhaul line to extend into the cockpit??

A thought? 

[Noah]

I would guess it is to make it easier to reach/adjust than in its current location on the boom.

[KWKloeber]

Why would you want the main outhaul line to extend into the cockpit??

A thought? 

Because sail foot tension should be adjusted as sailing/wind conditions change?
It's the normal setup on a racing boat.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : I understand why a "Loose footed main" should have its tension changed. However, most of us have the main with a bolt rope in the boom groove!!

A thought

[Noah]

However, most of us have the main with a bolt rope in the boom groove!!

This would make for an interesting survey (?). I bet a lot of folks now days have replaced their "old" bolt rope-style  mainsails with loose footed ones.

[scgunner]

Noah,

I would agree with you if you've got replacement sails I'll bet most people are running loose foot mains. Like full battens it's just a more evolved technology. I can't imagine any sail maker recommending you stick with a bolt rope foot. The loose foot performs better and has a much wider range of adjustment plus it's much easier to make those adjustments.

[joe feyder]

I replaced the outhaul rigging on our 90 a few years and it has been a great upgrade.  Our main is loose footed and the outhaul control line runs to the cockpit.  When the wind picks up I am glad to be able to flatten the main.  The components for our 10:1 system were bought individually from Catalina direct and elsewhere.  The harken blocks are upsized without swivels.  A prior post highly recommended blocks without swivels (our original jammed due to twisted lines).  A rigger recommended using dyneema vs. SS wire which works very well.  Splicing dyneema comes with a few tricks, but there is plenty of information on line.  We replaced the boom sheeves and removed any unnecessary fittings with internal bolts or screws.  Tap wood, it has worked well.