This is a post from David Swingle (who apparently is "locked out" right now!-- Join the club!)-
Some more thoughts on the T4.9 spi from Texas… I agree with Kenn about the spi sheet attaching to the tramp loops causing the spin leech to flutter. Also the tension on the blocks can be quite tremendous in a blow and perhaps a bit much for the tramp. Conventional wisdom suggests the sheet point needs to move forward, tightening the leech and loosening the foot. I’m going to try this shroud attach this weekend, however I’m a bit concerned about the sheet pulling outboard from this point. The shroud attach was not designed to handle loads from this direction, however it might be a non issue… Are people just attaching the supplied (non-ratchet, non-cleat) blocks to the wire loop above the adjustable shroud tensioner? I believe Kirt has the old style chainplate/pin adjustment, which makes attaching to the shrouds a little easier. Also has anybody found a suitable cleating ratchet to use with the spin sheet? I know cleating the spin sheet is asking for trouble, but solo, it would be nice to have the option. Besides we like living on the edge!!
As far as spin launching, I’ve been very successful solo tramp launching out of the Goodall supplied bag. Slowly I will work into heavier winds doing this, but so far, piece of cake in less than 10 kts. Wouter had a good writeup a while back. Key points were get close to downwind, don’t gybe, get chute out of bag, hoist quick. Takedown is opposite, except throw the halyard in the water over rear crossbar to untangle/untwist and provide slight tension as you get the monster on the deck. The real point here is there should be no problem tramp launching this thing with crew.
Have been working on a homegrown righting pole and hope to test it this weekend. We have sized it based on some “back of the napkin” structural analysis and it should add 3 lb. It uses a 2” OD .065 wall 6061-T6 aluminum tube mounted to the front crossbar with an old windsurfing swivel base. The system will allow adjustment of the pole up and down from the capsize position and provide double the righting moment of a solo guy on a traditional righting line. The 3 pounds will be well worth it because I’ll be far more aggressive if I know I can right the boat with no wind assistance. That way I can leave the spin cleated far longer than I should!
Happy Fourth David Swingle
