Main sail outhaul track

[x-man12345]

Hello guys
I wonder if someone could supply me with a couple of measurements (South African CC, not sure if its the same on the newer boats).
I am looking for the approx. distance from the end of the boom to the centre of the boom end top fitting (bit the main sail clew ties to) and the distance between centres of the two bolts in that hold the top and bottom boom end fittings.
Trying to design a outhaul track and Ladybird is a bit too far away.
Thanks in advance
Ian

[Dennis]

Hello Ian

Sounds like a good idea to me. I just use a loop of rope (loosely tied with a reef knot) through the cringle and under the boom to prevent the boom sagging when I have not got the outhaul tight.

To answer your question though, end of boom to centre of fitting 100mm, and spacing of bolts 55mm. This however is for a 2008 HM boom.

Be sure to post a photo when it is finished. It also sounds like a good mod to go on the website.

[x-man12345]

Hello Dennis,
Thanks for the info, that will give me something to go on.
Anyone have any idea on length of travel?
We have always sailed Ladybird with the clew lashed and have never adjusted it.
Photos will follow.
Thanks again
Ian

[x-man12345]

I have posted a couple of photos of the clew outhaul I have made up.
Not sure how well it will work yet but fingers crossed.
The original bracket on the top of the boom gets replaced by the bracket on the left hand side. It will pick up the two bolts that run vertically through the boom. A two block system will attach to the bracket and the travelling car. The travelling car will attach to the clew of the sail, either by shackle or soft shackle. I have allowed for 300mm (12") of travel for the clew, I may shorten this (cut the 3/8" diameter bar and rethread it).
Do I need 12" of adjustment??
Any feedback will be appreciated.
Will try it out when I get home.
Ian

[Dennis]

Hello Ian

That looks like a well engineered solution, it will outlast the rest of the boat.

I do not think that you need as much as 12" of travel, that would give a very loose foot on the sail. But who am I to know as someone who usually has the foot as tight as a bowstring.