Hi all,

I again would like to stand up in defence of this type of adjustable system. I have been using it for years and have tried to go to non adjustable systems which were present on boats I purchased. But I go back to adjustable every time. I have been trapezing for some 15 seasons now without a change and trapped for many years before on and off. On Dinghies and Cats, alot of it single handed and I think it would be fair to say I do more sailing than the average weekend warrior with only the few professionals spending more time on the water. Anyway this is starting to sound like boasting, so on to the Pros and Cons.

Pro's.
Being able to adjust yourself to the optimum position for quick movement in and out, whilst offering the ability to move to a position of maximum leverage.

The ability to trapeze earlier by lifting very high which reduces leverage. Meaning you don't have to swing in and out as much to keep the boat in optimum trim, disturbing the boat less.

The ability to trapeze at the same hieght regardless of where you are standing along the side of the boat, again allowing for maximum or minimum leverage whichever is required. Most often the further you stand back the higher you trap with other systems due to limited range of adjustment.

Easy unhooking due to lack of upward tension on hook handy for busy high speed tacks in strong winds.

Con's.
Lack of upward tension on trap hook can cause accidental un hooking, particularly with some hooks.

I am currently experimenting with a very light bungee between cleat and ring to give a tiny amount of upward pull. Also you don't want the bungee that holds the trapeze at side of boat to tight or heavy, as this can pull ring off hook.

Extra rope hanging around.

Small bungee on tail of rope taking it back to handle can help if you find it a problem.

Yes accidental unhooking has caused me a couple of capsizes in recent years, but this is the fault of my present hook, it didn't happen on previous hook.

One of the top Mossie sailors recently rigged a new boat and for the first time is using a adjustable system, after I suggested it. He now swears by it and said it has improved his ease of tacking along with the other benefits.

It may be a carry over from my mono sailing and is certainly in the minority in cats, but alot of dinghy and skiff sailors see something in it to. Most 18' skiffs I have seen use a similar system and crew pressures don't come much greater than on these boats.

Ultimately different strokes for different folks, it doesn't make one wrong.

Regards Gary.