I have an endpole snuffer and spin about ready to go on the frankencat. I think it is a two patch sail. How do you run the retrieval line?

I used to have an end pole snuffer and 2 patch spin on an I17R. Here is how it was routed on that boat:

through bag -> out of hoop -> up back side of spin -> through lower patch -> up front side of spin -> terminate at upper patch

"back" and "front" of spin correspond to the spin on the side of the boat where you do most of your take downs.

Geoff

Dont forget the grommet on the tramp where the line runs from the bag(underneath the tramp) to the mast as a 1 piece halyard/snuffer line. we have mounted our spin cleat(Harken pivoting exit block) on the mast at a little below shoulder height on the starboard side of the mast. Evryone does it different, but this works well for us.

OK-
Do you put a knot in the line at the bottom patch? Hadn't thought of the continuous line- what type of line do you recommend?

there are many ways to do it,.. but i am sure that each boat, gear and spin have their own optimal way to get it to work best....

i have a 2 patch (mid pole snuffer) and i run the line all on the same side of the spin. i have a little ring on the lower patch (for the line to slide through) and a tie off point on the upper patch.

I would strongly suggest you seek other boats with spins and see their system,.. or even better crew with them to see it in action.

For ME, i was miserable the first 12 times i used it... the next 10 it got better... now i LOVE downwind with the spin....

Don't tie off to the bottom patch; just run straight through. I have an endpole ring and bag that I'll get rid of cheap if you're interested.

Thanks, BLR. I have an integrated carbon pole/snuffer (currently broken waiting for a splice tube to show up.) But I am interested for a possible backup. PM me!

I assume you mean, a knot to avoid it from bunching up and jamming during retrieval? if that is the case: that didn't work for me... i always had some of the spin hanging out of the basket (may work better on an end snuffer). what does work (FOR ME) is i use a little plastic stopper ball (like the ones that you put on the end of your furler line) and tie a 10inch (est) bowline loop at the top patch. this stops the chute from bunching up

Line: i had 6mm Samson XLS, but switched to 4 mm. i think it may be to thin as it FLYs through the spinlock to fast and drops the chute to fast (into the water) and think 5mm may be the way to go...

the line runs thru the middle patch, then ties off to the top patch. You may have to play with it to get the right length and configuration to snuff the whole chute. Its important when you set the pole heigth to make sure the spin luff is the correct tension. Dont skimp on this when rigging the pole system.

I have a one line system. 5mm robline run per http://www.catsailor.com/bb files/113750-spintang.gif
I hope that gets you there. There is a great write up on the forum with pics that I used, I'll try to find it.
I ran the retreval as described previously but found that the spin wouldent go all the way into the bag and sometimes balled up at the hoop. I tied a 12" line to the tack so that it would go deeper into the sock. I also put a tenis ball on the line about 12" from the the upper attachment point on the sail.
I attached a bungee across the rear of the tramp and attached a small block which the sheet - retreval runs through to take up some slack. Didnt need a grommet in the tramp as the sock is far enough forward for direct pull out the rear.

check out my old site for pics and things
http://www.powergroovesailing.com/nacra_f18_pics_and_rigging_tips.htm

TENNIS BALLS???? FOR REAL??????

Just ordered the Harken exit block and have dyneema for the bow bridle. Have Ronstan auto ratchet blocks and turning blocks from Harken. Pole has a bag on it.
What should I get for sheets?

Line: i had 6mm Samson XLS, but switched to 4 mm. i think it may be to thin as it flies through the spinlock to fast and drops the chute to fast (into the water) and think 5mm may be the way to go...

Ask Treyline about Robline sheets, he is pretty sold on them, I have a Robline main, good hand feel, not sold on it yet though(not tested enough because I suck and dont sail enough)

I'll use it till someone gives me a better idea. IT WORKS GREAT.
Woops, my finger slipped, I wasn't yelling.

It just seems like a lot of weight up there... Robbie Daniels suggested this to me (after i bought my spin from him and Jill) and it works very well for me....

i use a little plastic stopper ball (just above the lower patch) and tie a 10inch (est) bowline loop at the top patch. this stops the chute from bunching up

Ah geeze Dave, if you're going to disarm us how are we going to kick you in the nuts?

On the lower patch I use a small piece of line with a loop in one end and a small stopper ball on the other. The loop is on the side you want to douse from and the snuffer line runs thru it. Maybe this has already been covered. Know that I am thinking of it maybe the line should be a little longer allowing the top patch to offset from the lower patch and the top patch to enter the snuffer head first....hmmm

Great stuff guys-
Thanks!