mainsheet purchase

How much is appropriate on a 31?

So far 8:1 doesn't seem to be enough for the mainsheet of my 27ft tri w/foils (wider than the F31, carrys a bit less sail).

I believe a 6:1 with 4:1 fine tune (24:1 total) would be better. Maybe I'll add a 3:1 fine tune to mine.

Right here in River Cities at the onLine Store is Harken's 12:1 system...

Maybe I'm wrong, but I guess a 6:1 + a 4:1 fine tune will use less line than a 12:1 and dumping the sail should be faster/safer.

12 to 1, triple fiddles at top, triple fiddle with becket and cam cleat at bottom.

Thanks for your responses-
what do you think the loads are that these blocks see?
I am thinking of doing the triple fiddle top blocks and keeping my lower older blocks for a 12.1 but wasn't sure. I kind of like the idea of the 8:1 then a "fine tune" 16:1 but I just am worried about the extra line getting caught in one of the sheaves. Of course the drawback is the ability to blow the sheet and have it run out in time or not taking a half hour to sheet back in after a reach or run and ending up with a mile a sheet at your feet.

Listen to WJJ.

a. He's fast.
b. He has a 31, and that's not his first Fboat.
c. Listen to him. If it works for the fast, experienced, guy, it'll prolly work for you.

Thanks...

WJJ, how many feet of sheet?

I´m also interested to know.

Now for some theory, considering that the mainsheet has to be (say) 15 ft long with the boom totally opened:

A 12:1 will need 12 x 15 = 180 ft of line

A 8:1/3:1 will need 8 x 15 + 3 x 5 = 135 ft of line (45 ft less to dump)

But this is theory only. It is safer to take the advice from an experienced F31R owner.

All the best,
Luiz

Tami, thanks for the kind words......

I will measure my mainsheet this weekend and let you know, but I am sure it is less than 100'.

My boat came with a 24:1 fine tune system. In any medium and higher wind the sheet had to be brought to a winch, and the fine tune was useless, 2 blocked way before I had proper trim.

My mainsheet is 80', I don't think it has ever been all the way out, except while cruising around.

Thanks,
I ordered the 12:1 triple fiddle get up with 100 ft of sheet (rather have it long than short to start with!). Using 5/16 ultralight as the sheet. Not high tech but close enough.

Saved me money....thanks.