Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: DaveBMusik on June 23, 2016, 08:35:34 AM

Title: Jib Sheets
Post by: DaveBMusik on June 23, 2016, 08:35:34 AM
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
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: Craig Illman on June 23, 2016, 10:19:21 AM
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
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: Stu Jackson on June 23, 2016, 11:21:24 AM
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.
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: Roc on June 23, 2016, 11:42:12 AM
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

Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: DaveBMusik on June 23, 2016, 01:00:12 PM
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!
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: Stu Jackson on June 23, 2016, 01:58:23 PM
Quote from: DaveBMusik on June 23, 2016, 01:00:12 PM

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.  :D
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: Ron Hill on June 23, 2016, 02:15:58 PM
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 .   :D

A thought
Title: Re: Jib Sheets
Post by: DaveBMusik on June 23, 2016, 03:01:09 PM
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!