Outhaul solutions

Now that the F17 has gone to the same outhaul system as the Infusion, does anyone have any ideas on how to stop the line wearing?

Oh, that's too bad...It's a sucky system. I modified my new Infusion by installing a small upright captive lead bock at the end of the boom, on the top of the boom, with rivets, as far aft of the clew attachement point of the sail as possible. I then directed the spectra lead to a captive cleat, which cleats toward the mast and is located about 2.5 feet inward of the clew. I bent the attachment points of the little captive block (used a vice and pliers) so that it fit well on the round infusion boom.

The small upright lead captive block in this case, has a small hole on the back (aft) side. The rig can work two ways: 1) one bitter end to the block, then, go through the clew on the sail (not through block just yet), back around and through the block, along the boom and to the cleat. A knot is used to set 'full open', and adjustment is made by tightening the outhaul. This provides 2:1 purchase, but can still chew on the line (where it attaches to the block- but still better than that sharp and loosey-goosey nacra factory set up-what were they thinking!).

The second method is simpler, and uses the same hardware configuration. The spectra line is tied to the clew of the sail and then goes through the captive block, straight out to the captive line cleat. A Knot for full open setting, adjust outhaul as needed. No friction, but only 1:1 purchase, in this configuration.

Strong, works well, and an easy modification.

To be honest, you don't need any purchase on the Narcra F18 main, so I will probably be using option 2, set it, and forget it. Worst part of the process is riveting/fixing the little cleat to the top of the boom. My riveter head doesn't fit into the little cleat on one end, so I had to use a screw there instead. Eventually, I'll figure out a way to seat a rivet that cleat down more permanently. Happy with it.
R

A trick to pulling that rivet down in the cleat is to add some small washers or nuts around the "nail" of the rivet. Just need to build up enough height that the tool has something to bear on, other than the cleat.

Thanks! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Dave,

You can try lots of things including duct tape! I prefer the older cleat/pulley arrangement because I do set it for different legs on a course.

Bob <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />