downhaul installs

I just put one on the main to get that last third that won't drop into the lazy jacks - works great & I don't have to leave the cockpit until I have to zip up the boom bag.

Can I see a pic?

Cheers that would be awesome.

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southace said..
Can I see a pic?

Nothing to it. Small snap shackle clipped around forestay above the upper hank (I do the one below as it seems to slide better), turning block at deck level, and run the cord along the deck back to the cockpit. Cleat the end. Only complication is it needs to run free when hoisting, so a rope bag to store the tail end is useful.

Once down I pull the sheet tight, as this helps to hold the sail in place. If you dont mind a quick trip to the foredeck, a sail tie around the body of the sail and the pulpit or lifeline completes the picture.

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Yara said..

Nothing to it. Small snap shackle clipped around forestay above the upper hank (I do the one below as it seems to slide better), turning block at deck level, and run the cord along the deck back to the cockpit. Cleat the end. Only complication is it needs to run free when hoisting, so a rope bag to store the tail end is useful.

Mine is the same except I have it tied on the the main & it runs down the mast through a couple of blocks back to the cockpit.

I just let the main go & then pull the last third or so down with the downhaul - works for me.


Sectorsteve said..
i had alot of excess rope yesterday and installed a main downhaul also. had a real blonde dyslexic moment and cut the rope...at the wrong time. now too short...

Jeez Steve, I have them all the time - I probably have enough rope lying around to do your downhaul!!