Jib Sheets

[DaveBMusik]

Water Music made the 4 day voyage to her new home from Kittery Maine to Noank CT last week. A beautiful trip and the boat behaved well. One item that gave us problems was the blocks for the jib. The line kept getting jammed in the Garhauer blocks.
I suspect the sheets are oversized causing the blocks to bend over and jam.  I believe the original specs called for 7/16 line. What does everyone use?

Thanks, Dave

[Craig Illman]

yes, 7/16". New England StaSet tends to hockle easily at the turning blocks. On my 34, I switched to 1/2" 12x12 New England Megabraid even though it was heavier line. I'm not a racer. I haven't had the same issue on the turning blocks on my C30.

Others probably have better options for you.

Craig

[Stu Jackson]

Dave, it might well depend on the blocks that you have.  If they are the old standard stand-up blocks, they well may do that.  I got the newer larger low profile Garhauer blocks: forward car LLC-2 1 1/4 track, and aft car 40-40 UAB.  I use 1/2" Stay Set sheets.  Your OEM Lewmar winches should be able to handle the 1/2" line, whereas the newer boats with newer Lewmars have difficulty with that size line.

I have those two blocks per side plus a big cheek turning block aft.  This keeps the sheets off the lower edge of the dodger material and provides a good fairlead to the winches.

[Roc]

Dave,
If you change jib lead blocks, you might want to consider getting the Garhauer movable blocks.  EZ-Glide adjustable blocks.  Looks like they are on sale right now, 10% off.

http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=37

[DaveBMusik]

Just measured the sheets and they are 3/4". I guess I thought I was buying a bigger boat 😀
I have 2 stand up blocks on either side with a cheek block to port. I am guessing these are the original blocks.
Do you think 1/2 inch will work? or do I need to go with 7 1/6?

Thanks!

[Stu Jackson]

Do you think 1/2 inch will work? or do I need to go with 7 1/6?

Thanks!

Dave, in reply #2 I said:

Your OEM Lewmar winches should be able to handle the 1/2" line, whereas the newer boats with newer Lewmars have difficulty with that size line.

Yes, they work on my boat, should on yours.

Your boat, your choice. 

[Ron Hill]

Dave : Most all of us with MK1 ST winches have upgraded from the 7/16" factory recommended to 1/2" jib sheets.  The 1/2" do better in the older Self Tailing winches. 

The MKII winches have a spring loaded self tailing tops .   

A thought

[DaveBMusik]

I had checked the Lewmar specs and they are fine. I am more concerned about the jamming blocks. If mine are original and others have gone with 1/2" I hope my problem is solved.
Thanks!