Rigging Small Sailboats

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OTHER BOOKS PUBLISHED BY "GLEN "PLYWOOD BOATBUILDING" "INBOARD MOTOR INSTALLATIONS "HOW TO BUILD BOAT TRAILERS"

L":

IN

SMALL BOATS"

.

rigging

small sailboats by KEN HANKINSON, naval architect

*l PUBLISHED BY "^» "GLEN-L I

Si




the its

-ail-

proper photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products

position.

FIG. 3-14-This is a gooseneck used on boats with rigs such as shoun in Fig. 2-5. The small loop is secured to the boom while the mast fits loosely into the big loop so the gooseneck can more along the mast freely. lateen

28

spars FIG. 3-15— A typical gooseneck showing the tack downhaul eye, and tangs which lap each side of the boom. Note the relieved area for the sail bolt rope and gooseneck when attaching it to shackle,

the mast.

FIG. 3-16-Exploded view of a roller reefing boom assembly. The boom can be pulled aft on the gooseneck and rotated by hand to roll the sail onto the boom. When released, the boom then returns to its position on the gooseneck because of the pressure set up by the spring. The mainsheet fittings are secured to the tang at the aft end of the boom which is secured with the bolt slightly loose so the boom will rotate, while the tang remains stationary.

WING

29

MAST

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS MAINSAIL FIG. 3-17— A clew outhaul on a loose-footed sail. The boom is slotted at the aft end for a sheave which allows the line to be lead to the underside of the boom where it can be cleated. A simpler type used on very small boats consists of merely a slot or groove in the end of the boom in place

of the sheave.

SHEAVE

LEAD CLEW OUTHAUL UNDER BOOM TO JAM CLEAT (NOT SHOWN)

CLEW

FIG. 3-18— A more sophisticated clew outhaul arrangement uses a line deadending on the opposite side of the boom (not visible) and running through a block shackled to the clew of the sail. The line then passes through a cheek block on the side of the boom and to a jam cleat where it can be belayed. The sail can be secured to the boom with either a bolt rope groove or slides on a track. This arrangement has a built-in power advantage thereby allowing greater tension to be placed along the foot of the sail.

FIG. 3-19-A CLEAT is a fitting to which a rope may be belayed. This metal cleat is fastened to the side of a mast to belay a halyard, and is a typical example of a cleat.

30

CHAPTER

4 standing rigging

INTRODUCTION The

STANDING RIGGING

of the wires which hold

mast. Because the mast

be undertaken by the novice. Rig your boat

consists

is

in

ging,

and these

calculations

usually

Some

2-5).

made from

able.

The

Wire rope

wires used to

and methods of figuring the

Fig.

4-1).

stainless steel,

is

although is

avail-

measured by the diameter

make up

the wire rope (see

For example, wire rope

1x19 would consist of one

nated

very technical and involved, and should not

up of 19

'b'

wire rope,

is

and specified by the composition of the

strength of spars and associated rigging are

•c'

manufacturer recom-

regular or galvanized steel wire rope

rig-

are said to have free standing

unstayed masts (see Figs. 2-4 and

or

used for the standing rigging

and tends to buckle or bend, the standing

small sailboats do not use any standing

designer

mends; don't make shortcuts. The material

compression

rigging helps to control the bending.

the

as

up and support the

strands. This type

wire

is

desig-

made

the most

•a'

4-1

4-3

4-2

&

4-3— Common methods of joining fitshows a swaged ball which can be readily connected to a shackle or forked jaw. Fig. 4-2%'' shows a swaged fork or jaw and a swaged eye commonly used to connect

FIG. 4-1 — Wire rope for rigging

FIG. 4-2

is generally in two configurations; stiff and flexible. Fig. 4-1 'a' shows a length and section of 1 x 19 wire rope which is considered stiff. The length is made up of 19 individual strands and is the type usually used for

i

tings to wire rope. Fig. 4-2 a

Fig. 4-1'b' shows a length and section of 7 x 19 wire rope which is a flexible type commonly used for halyards. The length is made up of seven ropes each consisting of 19 strands.

to

stays.

tangs,

i

turnbuckles, chainplates, etc. Fig. 4-3

shows a typical Nicopress fitting. The wire rope passes around the thimble and the end is clamped with the special clamp shown. Flexible wire rope is best used with this type of fitting.

31

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS common

for standing rigging because

With

it is

this

type of junction, the fittings can

Another type

be disassembled from the wire rope and

consists of 7 ropes each

reused, whereas the swaged fitting cannot.

consisting of 19 strands. This type, while

While this type of fitting can be done with

not flexible and designated

not as strong, important.

is

7x19

used where flexibility

is

On

strongest.

boats which use wire rope

halyards, the 7 x 19 wire rope

Obviously

fittings

to the wire rope for

it

is

the

fitting

swaged

heavier than swaged or Nicopress fittings,

bv any of

PRESS uses

a

fitting

is

shown

vise-like tool

is

tight.

BLE

Fig. 4-3.

in

it

(grooved metal ring

in

a

of

quality

the

used today for

rarely

wire rope

to

in place. While

acter" boats

considered

at-

the zinc

is

used on some

still

and commercial

less

reliable

hold

fitting to

than

"char-

craft,

it

is

any of the

above methods.

used to clamp the junction

With the Nicopress junction,

the

molten zinc poured into the

special

\

on

socket type connection. This method uses

forming an eye. and gripping both strands together, as

depends

taching fittings

small

wrapped around the w in-

slee\e

cases, the strength of the

all

A method

MCO-

the

is

craftsmanship.

shows some

patented method which

a

fitting,

stronger. In

means

commonly used on

Another method

sailboats.

although arguments exist as to which

SWAGE

to

is

dies.. Fig. 4-2

fittings

person making the junction.

to do a job. and

compressed cold be-

is

on the

depends

fitting

Usually swageless fittings are bulkier and

methods. One method

tween a pair of

the

ability of the

utilized.

the fitting to the wire rope. Swaging that

strength of

must be attached

these fittings can be attached several

ordinary hand tools, a great deal of the

is

THIM-

STAYS

the looped eye

The

to prevent chafe) must be used. Because of

STAYS

are wire ropes

which sup-

the

port the mast in a fore and aft direction.

thimble, flexible wire rope such as 7 x 19

Technically speaking, any wire which helps

the

bend required

should

be

used

in

for

t

he wire rope

ultimate

at

strength

support the mast can be called

at

the junction.

in

Special patented-type swageless terminals

are

also available for joining

to wire rope.

joint

One type forms

by use of

a sleeve

into

with the fitting attached to

i>

4-4

barrel fitted over

it

\ i>

on

thereby

will

will refer to

mast

the

described

aid

in

later.

following

.

but

those at

specifically

as

Reviewing this

Fig.

discussion

stays.

FORESTAY

from the forward

sockel

side

supports the mast

and

is

usually

at-

tached to the hull near the forward end of

screwed

The plug inside the slee\e

the boat.

On

a jibhead rig the forests)

is

attached to the mast about 7/8 the way up

compressed tightK against the wire rope

Strands,

of

side

The

inserted

is

of the wire rope.

into the sleeve.

the

SHROUDS,

ting-

a mechanical

the wire rope and a plug which the end

fit

our discussion, we

a sta\

from the base. On

forming the connection.

32

a

masthead

rig

the fore-

standing rigging

"* ^3

«->

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a.

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£ u § w

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33

5 k o--e

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•s

"3

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-2

a.

5 OS

2 3 2 « 3 3

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS attaches

j-tav

On

the masthead.

to

marans because of the twin

hulls, the fore-

stav often intersects with a

BRIDLE, and

the bridle

A

hull.

bow

attached to the

i?

bridle

a line

is

forestay will invariably have at least one

cata-

shroud per

side.

When

a backstav

of each

forward tension

set

hence are usually

up by the forestav. and

somewhat

set

aft

with attachment bv another hue to the

board of the mast. With jibhead

Some catamarans use a beam between the hulls at the bow and attach the forestay to this beam at the middle in the conventional manner. On

small boats, there

connected

PLATES (shown

middle of the bridle.

is

STEMHEAD

to the hull at the

attached

STAY. The from the

head to the

on masthead foresta)

back>ta\

aft

The

BACK-

the

is

supports

a backstay.

mentioned. When the bridle

used on

mosl cases

in

where

tiller

backsta)

on small jibhead

i>

rigs,

masthead

are

it

is

but

is

virtually

Not

all

associated with boats of

not covered

in this

correct

other

to

specifically. all

call

\s

boat-

it

aft is

and 1

stays*

it

and

of the hull or cabin side. join to the mast at the

may connect

to the hull for-

of the upper shrouds. In

not

uncommon

junction at a

some

sets of

at least sev-

from each other outboard.

common

the

two

to use

The reason shrouds should

and

point

preferabl) is

in

mast loads over

not

order to a

greater

area of the hull.

al

The shrouds usuall) attach to the hull

not

or an)

via

the) are being referred to

the chainplates. while the forestay at-

tache-

mentioned previously, not

boats use stays, hut boat- which use

rail

eral inches apart

a size

is

tips

usually located in line

lower shrouds, joining the hull

distribute

SHROUDS,

them "side

name when

ward or

are

the masl

shrouds which pass

connection are called the lower

shrouds, and

book.

stays which supporl

the sides arc called

11

are

gunwale or

spreader

backstays

The kind which

set of

The shroud> which

used

always

are usuallx

The

the

pre-

pivots across

it

"running backstays

called

additional

requires

with the side of the mast junctioning along

to allow

i>

The

shrouds. The)

not usuall) required

rigs.

are fixed in position.

not.

7-1). Chainplates

attach to the masthead are called the upper

and runs from the mast-

viousl)

A

by using CHAIN-

in Fig.

through or across the spreader

mast

the

on the foresta) of catamarans

the deck.

are

required, especiallv on boats which also use

stays connect to a bridle arrangement such

clearance at the

hull

the mast at

The shrouds

point.

W hen the mast

which

rig>

as used

.

way up

the strain transmitted by the shrouds.

end of the boat. Some back-

on the backsta)

on

support, two or more sets of spreaders are

>ta\

aft side,

rigs

are straps of metal bolted to the hull to take

considerable strain.

complements the

the

to

and out-

usually only one shroud

some predetermined

forestay must be capable of withstanding

The other

is

per side, attached part

(forward

point of the hull usually at the deck).

not

used, the shrouds must take most of the

secured at each end

single hull boats, the forestay

is

to

backsta) \t

a

34

the

Stemhead

to a backsta)

the spreaders, the

fitting,

and

the

tang or chainplate.

upper shrouds should

standing rigging be protected from chafing where they

move

most familiar item

is

TURNBUCKLE

the

best accom-

(a fitting

with a screw link for tightening

plished by using non-chafing spreader tips.

the stay)

which

The spreader

types.

at

the spreader tips. This

tips

themselves should be

rounded or smoothed so snag the

is

as

not to chafe or

4-5.

stay.

available in a variety of is

shown

in Fig.

Turnbuckles can be attached to the

or Nicopress eye

supplementary stays are required, and these usually

is

typical turnbuckle

wire rope stays with either a swaged fitting

sails.

As mentioned previously, sometimes

are

A

the

diamond

jumper

stay or

They use the same type of wire

and thimble.

If

the unit

is

swaged, the turnbuckle must be free to pivot so

no bending

will

occur where the

wire enters the swaged area. This

as

is

accom-

other stays although perhaps not as heavy,

plished by using a swivel connector which

but they never junction with the hull.

is

All stays

buckles should have a means of locking

and shrouds should have some

means of adjustment, and for providing this are

several

commonly

them once the

methods

used.

integral with the turnbuckle. All turn-

stays have been adjusted.

Turnbuckles usually have

The

a

jaw and pin

photo courtesy Hood Industries FIG. 4-5— The turnbuckle allows stay tension to be adjusted. This turnbuckle fastens to the chainplate with a jaw fitting and pin, and secures to another jaw with pin which is swaged to the wire rope stay. Once adjusted, turnbuckles should be locked in position prevent them from to unscrewing.

35

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS which connects them

at their

turnbuckles, and for this reason,

lower ends to

mon on

the chainplate or deck fitting.

Another method of adjusting stays and with a

shrouds

is

Figs. 3-4

and

6-2).

STAY ADJUSTER The

to the chainplate, while the stay

is

is

used to vary

the tension once the proper adjustment set

with several holes for adjustment.

up

there

attached

er to

Once

in the stay adjusters.

is

no need to ever

adjuster, even

pinned

is

using three stays to use

buckle on the forestay which

(see

stay adjuster consists

The lower end of the stay adjuster

rigs

com-

stay adjusters with the shrouds, and a turn-

of a shaped section of metal, usually stainless steel,

simple

it is

leeward

is

set up,

readjust the stay

though the slack stay adjust-

when

sailing

on

a tack could

with a pin through any one of the holes in

be set up tauter (assuming both sides are

the stay adjuster which give the proper ad-

readjusted equally) thereby putting

justment to the stay. Stay adjusters are costly than turnbuckles,

turnbuckle stay.

is

tension in the

less

and when used, no

rigs

desirable to use turnbuckles

However, stay adjusters are not cap-

on the mast

On

with multiple

shrouds plus forestay and backstay,

required for the respective

able of varying tension

rig.

instead

it

is

on each stay

of stay adjusters in order to set

each stay properly.

as are

more

It is

possible to connect

photo courtesy Star Hardware FIG. 4-6 -Hyfield levers allow tension to be varied, such as along stays. Many types and sizes are available, but they are mostly used on competition boats.

36

standing rigging stay adjusters to deck plates in lieu of the

thereby

chainplate for

more

eliminating

of ample size.

need

the

Stays can be attached to the mast in

But, chainplates are

chainplate.

the

types which will not stretch, and should be

desirable as they distribute the strains

imposed by the stays over

several

a larger area.

Another more elaborate device for stay tension

adjustment

is

somewhat

dictated

made

wood

of

by whether the mast

is

or aluminum. In most cases

an eye which will allow

adjuster, but consists of a lever ac-

stay

may be

manners, part of which

the stay must be fitted with

the

like

different

it

some form of

to be attached to

cuator which gives extra power in tension-

the mast via a fitting such as the tang or

HYFIELD

masthead. As shown in Figs. 4-2 and 4-3,

wide

these methods can be a conventional eye,

and are often

fork or jaw, or a ball joint connected to a

ing the stay. These are called

LEVERS

(Fig. 4-6)

variety of types

which come

and

sizes,

in a

On masthead

used for tensioning problems other than

fork strap or eye strap.

with stays. Hyfield levers are usually asso-

it is

ciated with competition-type craft where

stay

immediate stay adjustment

attachment. This can be done with the

A

last

required.

means of attaching stays

is

by

a

universal

ball joint

type

action at the

fitting, or

The rope

TOGGLE

(a swivel

merely lashed through rings or thimble

Fig. 3-9).

The reason

means of is

is

desirable to give the backstay

a simple rope lashing.

is

catamarans, and at the lower ends of the

attached to the wire rope.

lashings should be polyester

37

masthead

by the use of

a

to prevent bending

of the wire rope where

Rope

rigs,

fore-

connector as shown in

eyes attached to the chainplate or bridle on

stays.

and

it

joins to the fitting

CHAPTER

5

running rigging INTRODUCTION

RUNNING RIGGING

The

the running rigging in position.

the lines used for hoisting and controlling the

directly,

sails

or

indirectly

such

be

FIG.

5-1

receive

shows many of the

— This

the

neatly

sails.

rigged

lines

boat

is

The running rigging

moved. The LINES

ational in the boat,

used for

a

ready

tubing,

is

are usually

made

from ROPE. Once the rope becomes oper-

as

through control of the boom. The boat in Fig. 5-1

The run-

ning rigging moves about the boat, or can

consists of

to

"line." This

yard.

clearly

shown. The mainsheet rig is like that shown by Fig. 5-4. The clew outhaul is a sliding type on a track with the line securing to a jam cleat on the side of the boom. The boom, which is aluminum

is

then

being held

The main and

in

it is

is

then referred to as the difference be-

position by the main hal-

jib halyards are neatly coiled

on the mast. \ofe the tracks each side uith /airloads and cam cleats on slides for controlling the jib sheets.

38

tween

and rope. Most

line

made from

sailboats are

on small

lines

yard winches designed for wire rope preclude the need for a rope tailing.

synthetic twisted

or braided rope, such as polyester or poly-

Nylon

propylene. line

because

of natural materials such as

dom

hemp

use of a

are sel-

sometimes

is

A

must be handled. cially

made

be easy on the hands

to

"YACHT BRAID" etary name, and

more

Nicopress eye, or tied

costly than the

Rope

The halyard

ed to the shackle either with

espe-

or other similar propri-

is

passes through the head

cringle (see Fig. 6-2).

called

is

"U" which

of the

moving ends which

type of rope

sails.

with an openable pin at the open portion

used for some running rigging, but must be at the

are used to attach the

common method is the SHACKLE, a "IT'-shaped fitting

Probably the most

used anymore. Wire rope

connected to rope

methods

halyards to the head cringle of the

much. Ropes

stretches too

it

Several

not a good

usually

is

rope

by is

attach-

a spliced eye,

sometimes merely

is

it

is

a knot.

A better

used

to use a ball joint with the

is

method when wire

com-

shackle fitted onto the wire rope halyard

monly noted by the approximate diameter

before the ball has been swaged on (see Fig.

normal braided

line.

of the rope, even though

mon

to give the size

sizes are

was once com-

it

4-2'a').

by the circumference.

with

a

When

wire rope halyards are used

ball joint,

a

HALYARD HOOK

should be used near the masthead. This

HALYARDS The

lines

halyards run up and

beyond

a

predetermined point up the mast. Some-

used for hoisting and lower-

ing the sails are called

a sheave

fitting prevents hoisting the sail

HALYARDS. The

down

the mast across

(pronounced "shiv")

at or near

the top of the mast. Halyards which are

outside the mast are called "external" halyards, and those which run inside a hollow

mast are called "internal" halyards. Halyards on small boats can be

and often used.

made

stainless steel wire

When

wire rope

is

used

of rope,

rope it

is

also

should be

the flexible type such as 7 x 19. In the case

of wire rope halyards, a portion of braided or twisted rope

must be attached to the

running end so the crew can handle the hal-

yard

without injuring their

braided rope

is

hands.

The FIG. 5-2—Brummel hooks are patented fittings used in pairs. They are used to secure lines together or lines to other items such as sails. A

then attached to the wire

rope either with a Nicopress eye, or by a special splicing.

On

twist of the two hooks join or release them.

large boats, special hal-

39

is

all

that

is

required to

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS hook

located

goes through the eye at the end of the

near the mast base for the running end of

halyard, or can be merely knotted to the

times an additional halyard

the

rope halyard with another ball

wire

swaged

is

Another method used to attach yards to (as

sails is

shown

in

with

Fig.

the wrist.

BRUMMEL HOOKS

5-2).

SHEETS

These are special

The position

quick attachment once you get the hang of

The

The Brummel hooks come

wide variety of

sizes

in a

One hook

cringle at the

and types which can

passes

head oi the

sail,

lines

used to control the trim or

of the

sails

line

MAINSHEET, and

to control the jib

Rope

through the

easier

SHEETS.

is

is

the line used

called the JIB

SHEET.

used for the sheets, and "yacht

is

braid"

and another

are called

used to control the mainsail

called the

be used for other situations as well as with halyards.

a twist of

hal-

patented fittings used in pairs which allow

using them.

The two connect with

halyard.

end to secure the halyard.

at this

type

is

often used because

it

is

on the hands and does not kink or

BOOM

1:1

4:1

3:1

2:1

'd'

FIG. 5-3— Various tackle configurations. The power of a tackle depends on the number of "parts" in the tackle. Actually, a' is not really a tackle as the block on the boom merely changes the direction of the line, thereby affording no gain in

power. Fiddle blocks are shown for clarity where two sheaves are used, even though double blocks could also be used which have the sheaves side by side. The arrows show the direction the line will

move when

40

pulled.

running rigging FIGS.

5-4

through 5-9 show various mainsheet with the power ratio before dis-

configurations

counting for friction. C "a

& O 5S

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RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS

«5

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u

u a £

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running rigging

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u ©"° S 3 2 S ° ° 3 c 3 -o «5 3 V -to Q to>

devise a tackle. But

how many

should be included in the tackle rule-of-thumb

is

If

cam

using a

lbs.

cleat

on

conservative results.)

in

75

lbs.

most

to-50

or

cases,

The

Fig.

for

of 210

on the end of

good to

up

of 52.5

BETWEEN 5-3.

lbs.,

the wind

stick to the 30-

is

jam deal

the

The more

work

will

just

or

48

and

and

does yield

it

this

60

lbs.

load

by the number of

and

arrive at a total

or just about the

BY HAND,

maximum at least

blowing 20 knots.

to secure

to use

lbs. for a total it

not

is

enough

If

we

for

when use a

the sheet, this tackle

aboul sail

all

conditions short of having to

area. This

example can be used

to figure other tackles as well. In

the

lbs.)

prove sufficient to do the job under

reduce

blocks as parts,

150

and divide

holding a sheet

practical.

number of "parts"

to the

it

lbs.

figure

Then take

parts in the tackle (4).

he-man types! But.

of a tackle to do

the

of line in

if

ability

depends on

shown

it is

range,

lb.

lengths

more

and add

BY

10%

close

\iiain a

a line, this figure can be increased, say

to

it is

as a practical short cut.

a line

then multiplied

lbs. lost to friction

"part-"

used which says that most

people can pull 30 to 50

HAND.

r

60

exact,

technicall)

is

wind load (40% x 150

other losses. (While the

times on the sheet. So to reduce this effort.

we

40%, which

against the total

of "pull" at

lbs.

10%

four sheaves, multiply each sheave by

square feet of area, the mainsheet load at the end of the

used in the tackle.

Therefore, with a 4-part tackle which has

100

for example, a mainsail has

used which figures a 10%

loss for every sheave

but the results will usually be close enough. If,

is

in the blocks,

summary:

running rigging

SAIL AREA X FACTOR (1.5 OR 3) div ided by NUMBER OF PARTS IN TACKLE =

EFFORT (BEFORE FRICTION To

figure

power

LOSS).

loss in tackle:

WIND LOAD X 10% PER SHEAVE = FRICTION LOSS; WIND LOAD + FRICTION LOSS = TOTAL LOAD IN LBS. To

figure load

on end of sheet which

crew must handle:

TOTAL LOAD IN LBS. divided by NUMBER OF PARTS IN TACKLE = LOAD IN LBS. AT END OF SHEET.

49

N^ m

a

1

1

X I*

^

tf II

?mm,-

*

«t

CHAPTER

6

deck fittings INTRODUCTION "Deck cation for

fittings"

is

blocks with adjustable shackles which can

be mounted either with a front or a side

a general classifi-

hardware used with the run-

all

shackle

ning or standing rigging, as well as the spars,

even though the fittings

mounted

to the deck.

may

Deck

swivel shackle.

A

block or with a

front or side shackle

is

used to keep the block in one position or

not always be

may be

fittings

located on cabin tops, cockpit

using just one

members and

centerboard trunks as well. There are endless

numbers and

styles of fittings available,

and the number of new

fittings

and inven-

tions, plus modifications to existing ones, is

We

constantly increasing.

describe

which

those

are

will

attempt to

most generally

used in the size sailboats under discussion.

BLOCKS

A BLOCK thetic casing

is

wood, metal, or syn-

a

which contains one or more

grooved pulleys called sheaves. Blocks are primary pieces of equipment

the

the

in

running rigging, and come in a wide variety of sizes and types. Besides adding mechanical

advantage to the running rigging, blocks

are

used to change direction of the line

passing through them. Conventional blocks

must be attached to something work, and the most is

by

a shackle

in order to

common method

which

is

used

usually an integral

part of the block. Three types of shackles are used; front, side, Fig. 6-1

FIG. 6-1— The anatomy of blocks. Not all blocks have all these parts. Some blocks have shackles which swivel or are adjustable to either side or front shackle locations. A block with one sheave is a single block; with two sheaves .a double

and swivel shackles.

shows the difference between front

and side shackles, but the trend

is

to

fit

block; etc.

51

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS

?

HALYARD

SHACKLE

TURN BUCKLE

FAIRLEAD

EYE STRAP

FIG. 6-2—A check of this drawing will reveal many items of hardware and how they function in the boat. Note that all lines used to control the various functions of the rip lead to a point convenient to

photo courtesy Race-Lite /SouthCoast

the

52

helmsman.

deck

fittings

plane of reference, whereas a swivel shackle allows the block to turn to any position.

A BECKET is

often fitted to blocks at

the opposite end of the shackle. is

The becket

on the block onto which

a fitting

a line

with an eye, or another fitting such as a

hook, can be attached,

Some

tackle.

of the

forming a

in

as

common

blocks are

illustrated in Fig. 6-2.

A FIDDLE BLOCK

shown

as

in Fig.

two sheaves, one above the

6-3 contains

other with one usually smaller in diameter

than the other. fiddle block a

cam

cleat

looks like a "fiddle."

It

may

arrangement (see Fig. 6-4) for

boom

use with main sheets and

CHEEK BLOCK its

A

have a becket as well as

vangs.

A

(see Fig. 6-2) lays flat to

photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products

base, with the base being fastened to the

deck. to

The cheek block

change

direction

DECK BLOCKS

is

of a

(Fig.

FIG. 6-3— A typical example of a fiddle block.

commonly used

SWIVEL

line.

have a base

6-5)

which fastens to the deck and allows the block to assume a capable

is

a single

The top of the

bullet block

(see Fig. is

usually

shaped to attach through the eye of a an eye strap, or to a

ELER BLOCK is

boom

bail.

the

sheave

is

line,

A TRAV-

one with two sheaves, one

above the other, and with one angles to

A

block of small

which usually has no shackle

5-12).

position

of swiveling in any direction.

BULLET BLOCK size

near-vertical

at

right

other (see Fig. 6-2).

One

for the traveler, and the other for

the mainsheet.

No

shackle

is

used.

Some-

times two bullet blocks interlocked at the straps can be

When

made

to

wire rope

form is

a traveler block.

photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products

used, blocks must

FIG. 6-4— A fiddle block with a built-in cam cleat which can be used with various mainsheet and boom vang rigs.

be used which are intended for this material.

53

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS Some

blocks

are

which

available

have

sheaves suitable for use with both rope and wire rope.

The sheaves of these blocks have

a regular groove for the rope,

and

a nar-

rower but deeper groove within the regular groove to suit the wire rope.

CAM CLEATS A CAM CLEAT

belay (halt and secure) a passes

used to

a fitting

is

The

line.

line

between two serrated cams which

allow the line to be pulled through in only

one direction. To pulled

shows

the

release

line,

up and out of the cams.

cam

a typical

cleat.

Cam

it

is

Fig. 6-6

cleats often

have a fairlead to guide the line into the photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products

mounted

FIG. 6-5— A swivel deck block allows the sheave to turn to the proper direction for the line leading through it.

cam

Regular

cams.

a fiddle block for adjusting a

mainsheel

cleat

often attached integrally to

is

A

main sheet.

normally

A cam

deck.

the

to

flat

arrangement

are

cleats

deluxe fitting

cam

cleat

which comes with

a

(Figs.

boom is

vang or

a swiveling

6-7 and 6-8)

block and a fairlead to

change direction of the mainsheet. leading it

into the

fitting

is

cam

cleat.

that the

The benefit of

this

helmsman need not hold

onto the mainsheet. but

it

can be released

yank upwards.

in

an instant b) giving

It

also swivels so the sheet will be at

it

a

hand

on an) tack.

TRACKS rails

allow

photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products FIG. line

6-6-The cams of but

it

the

cam

cleat hold

TRACKS

an-

on which

fittings

them

used where

the

tion

can be quickly released with a flick of

to il

is

formed metal or

plastic

can be attached to

move. A piece of track irablc to

is

have the posi-

of the fitting adjustable. Tracks can

also be used to attach the sail to the spars

the wrist.

54

deck

fittings

in

some

for the jib

4M^wa

and Genoa sheet leads which

through

pass

commonly used

Tracks are

cases.

fittings

moving on the

attached

These

tracks.

to

slides

fittings

can

range from a fairlead slide, or a block on a slide, or

even a cam cleat on a

typical slides

and tracks

are

slide.

shown

Some

in Fig.

Tracks are also used for the clew out-

6-9.

haul slide and for sliding goosenecks. the gooseneck

haul

is

mounts to

When down-

a slide, a

used as well to allow for adjustment.

and Genoa tracks, and tracks used for

Jib

travelers should be fitted with stops at the

ends to prevent the fittings from sliding off

remember

the tracks. In selecting tracks,

photo courtesy Schaefer Marine Products FIG. 6-7— This is the deluxe mainsheet cam cleat which swivels, allows a fair lead to the main sheet, and belays the line so it does not have to be

hand

must be made to

that the fitting to be used fit

the type track being used.

held.

AND EYES

CLEATS, FAIRLEADS,

CLEATS which

lines are

(Fig.

are

fittings

to

belayed and secured. With

small sailboats, a

CLEAT. These

3-19)

common

cleat

is

a

JAM

allow a line to be taken

through or turned around the jam cleat in such a manner so that

Jam

cleats are

it

not

will

commonly used Many kinds

halyards and sheets.

slip free.

to secure

of patent-

ed-type jam mechanisms are also available

which are often referred to

as

"jam cleats"

because they perform the same function.

FAIRLEADS which give

are actually

a "fair lead" to

any

any

fittings

line (see

Fig. 6-2). Fairleads are usually eye-shaped fittings

FIG. 6-8— A swiveling mainsheet cam cleat mounted on a bracket on the daggerboard trunk. The mainsheet passes through the fairlead (left) and into the cam cleat. The looped wire (right) prevents the line from jumping out of the cleat when released. Note the pin on the daggerboard trunk to "lock " the daggerboard in position.

which minimize or prevent chafing

of the line which passes through

it.

Fair-

leads usually change the direction of the line passing

through them

as well.

As noted

previously, a block can be used to change

55

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS

r-

3

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2

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I 1 1 £ s 8 I u a = « «C^ o Sp"S g C 3 *» Q..S •S 1 a

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58

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E-


arrangement before fastening anything per-

manently

for determining jib

using the jib. Admittedly, this

In installing fittings such it

in general

and pinpointing the lead position while

from

boat to boat.

mainsheet.

is

and boats

This method allows for variable

trimming of the

sheet

when underway,

which

is

when

the conditions of

Bailing

change. This track for the jib would

desirable

be located so the mid-length of the track

the various

is

be used to belav the

positioned at the point found to be most

efficient.

various sheets and halyards. Obviouslv these

64

The track used

for the jib

is

USU-

installing fittings to the hull

at

ally

12" long. On

least

which may use is

a

Genoa,

provided for this

The

boat.

sail,

cult, to say the least.

For

coamings,

this

If

the winch

Genoa can be

blocked up,

is

blocking should be angled so the lead

of the sheet from the track

each side of the

zontal to the winch.

A

fairly hori-

is

cleat

is

always used

method, but

to secure the sheet after taking turns around

sail, this is diffi-

the winch. These cleats are preferably in a

this reason,

horizontal plane with the winch as well.

trial-and-error

because of the size of the

pit

a separate track

lead point for the

found by the

boats

larger

it is

When

better to use the formula provided to deter-

installing

"outboard" rudders

mine the lead point for the Genoa, and

on the transom, gudgeons and

then use a longer length of track for the

described in the previous chapter, are used.

fairlead slide so that variations are possible.

Sometimes inboard rudders

most cases the Genoa track

In

fairly parallel

board

along the

71

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS portion of the mast must be filed away

with a coarse

Do

and

(see Figs. 8-6

file

8-7).

MAST-

not cut away the groove excessively,

and make sure

on the

to prevent wear

do the job. Look determine

at the

t^

small fine

emery cloth

will

end of the mast to

amount

the

A

sail.

or rotary grinder, plus

file

RELIEVED G ROOVE

rough edges are smooth

all

The

remove.

to

length and position of the cutaway areas

should be provided by the designer of the boat, or by the spar supplier. If the position

or length required

is

not given,

determined by using the

it

can be

as a guide.

sail

Hold the sail so the top or head is 6" to 8" below the top of the mast, and stretch the bolt rope tightly along the mast. the position where the tack of the

Mark

sail falls

along the mast, and relieve an area 5" to

12" above the

tack, both for entry of the

bolt rope and the gooseneck slide fitting.

Remember

that the relieved portion mu>t

be above the gooseneck when the gooseneck is

positioned

downhaul

when

pulled

down by

the

(see Fig. 3-15).

POSITIONING STANDING

RIGGING ON MAST The approximate attachment

points

for

Locations all

the

for

the

stays

and

shrouds must be ascertained, cither from the plans, or If

from the spar manufacturer.

the shrouds and stays ha\e ahead v

purchased,

means

this

the

been FIG. 8-6

attachment

aluminum

points must be located to suit. Otherwise, the

builder

must

&

8-7 -Goosenecks used with grooved must be relieved in order to fit

spars

the gooseneck into the groove. Although a

boom

determine the lengths

is

shown,

relieved portion

required

directly

case, strings can

from the work.

In

in

could be of aluminum

wood

also.

The

also required for the bolt rope of the sail so the relieved area must be carefully

this

is

determined. When the boom is pulled down by the downhaul. it cannoi be in the relieved area; it must be below it as shown by Fig. 3-15.

he attached to the mast,

the mast erected temporarily

it

position,

72

outfitting spars

in




on LU

£ S.5

Q LU < OQ LU 3 £E

Q 3 O a:

(/)

on

T

o 10 0£ UJ o 2$ J s? ^* -. — §-3.g * * * 2^ _.

3 &-


O

•«•

~

-»

*•>

^

^

Ol

k.

•=

« to 03 £ 03 -C o «S. 1 &

required on the

course

AND

released, the boat will

is

that balance

is

a

namic problem which can be constantly

conditions, and with the

sails

used. So

if

effort to steer

when tiller

when

on think you need to change the balance,

first

the speed of the boat.

balance

not pro-

(hanging depending on crew loading, wind

the boat therel>\ wearing out the helmsman, it

if

released,

i-

\

plus

not a bad quality

nounced. The point

problem with too much weather helm requires too

tiller ie

only

tend to head into the wind too quickly. The

it

the

boat with too

much weather helm, however, would

that

is

if

consider your sailing conditions before

making very to

the

drastic

modifications.

Remember,

little it

keep the

is

little tiller

always desirable to have at

weather helm under

all

least

a

conditions.

is

Here are the changes that can be made:

head gently into the

80

rigging the boat TO DECREASE WEATHER HELM:

TO INCREASE WEATHER HELM:

1.

Step mast farther forward

1.

Step mast farther aft

2.

Decrease rake of mast

2.

Increase rake of mast

3.

Mount centerboard

3.

4.

Mount centerboard farther forward Drop centerboard to full down position when sailing to windward

5.

Move crew weight

4. Lift

farther aft

centerboard up slightly

sailing to

when

windward

6.

Move crew weight farther Sail boat more upright

7.

Increase size of jib

7.

8.

Decrease size of mainsail

8. Increase size

9.

Locate

5.

10.

jib farther

aft

6. Sail

forward

Use mainsail with

less

farther forward

boat at greater angle of heel

Decrease size of jib of mainsail

9. Locate jib farther aft

fullness of

10.

shape.

81

Use

fuller

shaped mainsail

CHAPTER

10

daggerboards and centerboards Any

object floating on the water will

tend to be blown across the water in a

ward

away from the

direction, or

To

which the wind

is

from happening

to a sailboat,

it

a is

more

blowing.

board trunk

is

to provide bearing for the

board and keep water out of the boat. Once

lee-

the daggerboard

direction

prevent this

little

and to enable

is

movement of

daggerboard

very

the daggerboard.

The

made out

be

can

trunk there

is

in the

of sheet

wind,

metal (usually aluminum) or wood. The

DAGGERBOARD CENTERBOARD A daggerboard or centerboard is a

hole in the bottom of the boat where the

to

sail

in a direction into the or.

daggerboard

used.

bottom

fairly

tight

of the boat which gives the boat a "grip"

There

is

on the water thereby preventing or

gerboard.

thin vertical plate sticking out the

at least

fit

very

through

passes

usually

a

around the daggerboard.

little

Once

is

it

adjustment with

is

down

a dag-

in position, the

minimizing leeward movement. Contrary to popular

board

daggerboard or center-

belief, the

does

"tipping"

not keep the sailboat

over.

While

from and

daggerboards

centerboards are not strictly a part of the rigging in terms of tion, they

its

do help greatly

power of the wind

And

motion.

"transmission" func-

in

because

in

converting the

the sails to forward

and

daggerboards

centerboards often require fittings and lines to

make them

operable, they are relevant

to our discussion

on

rigging.

What's the difference between

a

dag

gerboard and a centerboard? Well, a daggerboard can be likened to an actual dagger

which in

fits

into

its

sheath or case. The "case"

the instance of the daggerboard

red to as the

slips

in

daggerboard trunk, usually only.

FIG. 10-1

typical centerboard trunk in a small

of the centerboard can be seen protruding out the top of the trunk. The centerboard pennant passes through a sheave on the forward trunk upright and is knotted to the centerboard. This arrangement forms a "tackle" to

and out of the in a vertical dir-

The purpose of

-A

sailboat. Part

refer-

DAGGERBOARD TRUNK.

The daggerboard ection

is

ease the effort required to on the centerboard trunk

the dagger-

pennant.

82

lift is

the board.

A

cleat

used to secure the

position can only be varied

A

up or down.

centerboard on the other hand

hinged at

its

TERBOARD

to float

forward portion on a CENPIN. The centerboard pin

up out of the water just

from metal (aluminum or

is

glass,

down in the CENTERTRUNK.(see Fig. 10-1). The cen-

but this

the boat

BOARD

the designer specifies

similar in function to the

terboard,

it

remains in the boat at

all

daggerboard

able which

times is

originally

equipped it.

way, or

this

With daggerboards,

there are spring stainless steel "clips" avail-

daggerboard trunk. However, with a cen-

in its trunk, while the

is

steel) or fiber-

not recommended unless

is

terboard pivots up or

is

made

Naturally, the board could be

this.

usually a bolt or rod about which the cen-

terboard trunk

wood

like a

rudder. There are several ways to prevent

is

onto the board making the

tight in the

so

fit

fit

trunk that the board

cannot float up. Another method

re-

to use

is

movable through the top of the dagger-

an

board

daggerboard

the trunk slot secured at each end to screw

vertically in the slot

eyes each side of the trunk. With both

of the daggerboard trunk, the centerboard

types of board, a removable "pin" can be

"swings" about the centerboard pin. Be-

used through the trunk sides and board

trunk.

Whereas

moves up and down

cause

it

the

can swing, the position of the cen-

elastic

which

"shock cord" across the top of

will

"lock" the board

in position.

terboard can be varied to suit different

The boat shown

courses of sailing, and changes in the load-

a pin for the daggerboard trunk.

ing and

From

balance of the hull.

standpoint, a centerboard

more

is

arrangement

efficient

board

the centerboard where

conditions.

passes through the

bottom of the boat must

such

By

pro-

viding a series of holes in the board, the pin

this

than a daggerboard. However, the slot for it

in Fig. 6-8 features

could be used to lock the

in various positions to suit sailing

On

centerboards of wood, a

common method

necessarily be

on the

to put a weight

is

longer than for a daggerboard, and this adds

board. This can be a lead weight built right

to the resistance of the hull thereby slow-

into a hole in the board, or a specially fabri-

ing the

boat

down somewhat.

drawback of daggerboards the boat dentally

board

sail

cated casting designed to

that should

is

the board.

down

into shallow waters or acci-

come up onto

will

But, one

not pivot back and up into the

board

a pin arrange-

to lock the board in

position.

trunk as will a centerboard. The damage to the

the bottom of

will pull the

and then

in position

ment can be used

a beach, the dagger-

Daggerboards

are

simpler in nature

than centerboards, and therefore require

boat in such an encounter could be

extensive, whereas with a centerboard,

The weight

fit

few

it

if

any

fittings

other than those de-

would pivot back and up into the trunk

scribed above. Centerboards, however, can

with probably no damage at

get

When are

daggerboards

all.

or

board gets in

centerboards

made from wood, they have

a

more complex,

tendency

to raise

83

size

especially the bigger the

and weight. The

and lower the centerboard

line is

used

known

RIGGING SMALL SAILBOATS as

CENTERBOARD PENNANT. On

the

lightweight boards, the line

by

a

knot through

may be

a hole in the

trunks, especially at the centerboard pin.

The centerboard

attached

board, and

and causing

constantly "working"

is

on the pin which tends

stress

lead to a cleat

somewhere on the trunk or

to loosen the pin and

hull structure.

On

into the boat. There are so

heavier boards, the cen-

let

water seep through

many

variations

terboard pennant can be rigged in a tackle

in the design of centerboard pin

arrangement to decrease the effort required

isms (probably in an attempt to

to raise the centerboard. Pulleys or sheaves

good one that won't leak) that

can be fastened to the centerboard and/or

possible to specify a "cure-all"

to the trunk to

come up with

work

the proper

make

On many sailboats

from about 17'

the centerboard

or

and

of the trailerable cruising

is

in length

is

not will

it

is

are

to

referred

it

leaking, is

tight,

too

fits

should be replaced

it

with a larger pin. Also check the gaskets,

often a piece of steel

latter

has worked to where

it

loosely in the hole,

and up,

even a casting of steel or lead.

Sometimes the

if

a

which

check to make sure that the bolt

tackle.

plate

in all cases. If the pin area

mechan-

if

condition, and replace

as

good

so equipped, to see that they are in if

necessary.

The

"retractable keels" because they also add

structure of the centerboard trunk should

to the stabilitv of the boat. In either case,

be checked to see that

the weight of the unit

tight

is

often such that a

tackle will not be practical. case, a

winch

is

When

this

is

the

members

and well fastened. Sometimes

ing pin

used with a wire rope pen-

all

the result of a

is

,-tructure. If this

is

the case, repairs or re-

placement of structural members

The winch

in order.

best a

two-way type with

positive ratchet action

on both the "down"

and

and "up" directions. Winches an- available of a type

commonly used on boat

trailers

to haul the boat onto the trailer, or

in

installation should be of extra heav\

work wonders

first.

the gear will result in use.

l>\

when

is

moving along usually caused

and sometimes an unfair rudder. What

die centerboard

of the boat. This means that no holes or

shape through

is

that the edges

the

this

and general sectional

board have not been

finished correctly. Obviously a board with

AT

LEAST BELOW THE WATERLINE. Some a

is

an unfair centerboard or daggerboard,

means

is

the boat

top speed. This chatter

or daggerboard trunk helps keep water out

times this

sometimes there

be a vibration or "chatter," especially

noticeable at

leaks should be permitted in the trunks

patching up

sure the areas to be fiberglassed are

will

duty

in

make

and arranged so no jamming or fouling of

As noted previously,

a little fiberglass tape

In use of the boat,

such an

be

and reinforcing weak members, but

clean and dry

more

may

leaks

deluxe type especially designed for center-

board use. All components used

Sometimes

resin can

a leak-

weakened trunk

nant to raise and lower the centerboard. is

are

a square edge forward or aft will not go

through the water as effectively as

problem with centerboard

84

a

board

daggerboards and centerboards with edges that are shaped or "faired." With

same shape

sheet metal centerboards or daggerboards,

reshaping or replacing the board, or adjust-

about the only fairing that can be done

ing the shape of the slot.

to radius the edges. If

wood

is

is

board

used, a better

"shape" can be incorporated. One method of fairing a

around

all

wood board which results

is

shown

gives

in Fig.

is

best not to

to any board

smooth

used to make the

Some

will

center-

is

at the slot tighter.

often provided, especially

keep

it

from

banging against the forward portion of the

suit

centerboard

trunk.

This

is

a

good idea

because pennants sometimes break, or a lock pin will

Sometimes the board

slot will

device

fit

travel of the centerboard to

in use, a little parafin will usually

warp or the

on

with steel centerboards, to limit the forward

It

up the correct "shape"

by using foam shaped to

things out.

the pin

This

to side. Small blocks or metal angles can be

With daggerboards that tend to bind

jam

at

slot.

10-2.

and covered with fiberglass.

or

Sometimes the

too loosely in the

working

require

boards, and sometimes banging from side

make them "razor sharp"

possible to build

may

good

because they damage too easily in use. is

will fit

will cause

While very fine edges give least resistance, it

as the board. This

forward

fail,

at a crashing speed.

not be quite the

2/3

-*-

1/3 -e-

^^^==35 FIG. 10-2— A section through a "faired" wooi