Forgot password

Sheet control

  • 12 Oct 2011 11:13
    Quote
    Reply # 721096 on 656625
    Deleted user
    The bungee cord is tied with one end to the cleat then the other end is wrapped around the entire bundle with a couple of wraps then a half hitch or two. The sheet bundle is then drawn down toward the deck to keep tension on the sheets. This method also keeps the sheets from wrapping around the tiller and whatever else is on deck.

    I keep lots of long lengths of bungee cord around to tame the sheets and occasionally give the rudder a hand as well.

    I'll be heading out soon so I'll try and remember to take a picture next time I use the bungee cord sheet tamer.
  • 12 Oct 2011 02:46
    Quote
    Reply # 720737 on 656625
    Anonymous member
    Jim and I talked about this when I was in NS; I couldn't quite visualise it then and I still can't.  Am I right in thinking that the shockcord goes over, ie abaft the sheet from one side of the deck to the other and is forced aft when the sheet is taut.  Is that right?  But has anyone any idea about how to stop the slack sheet getting tangled around tiller, autohelm and engine control lever in the same situation, please?
  • 11 Oct 2011 21:48
    Quote
    Reply # 720548 on 656625
    Deleted user
    We use a bungee cord in light winds to keep the sheets from tangling on the windvane primarily in downwind situations. Usually it is not necessary but when needed saves a lot of frustration. There are a couple of cleats on the stern and I use one to attach the bungee to the deck and the other end is looped around the entire sheet bundle with tension applied. Its not very tidy but we are able to adjust the sheets if necessary without removal and it tames the sheets well.
    Last modified: 12 Oct 2011 11:07 | Deleted user
  • 11 Oct 2011 20:28
    Quote
    Reply # 720504 on 656625
    Anonymous member
    It's a long time since I rigged one, but as I recall, it was anchored to the deck in line with the end of the boom. The bungee chord was light weight so it will stretch. As for length, you will have to experiment. Not a very precise answer, but the best I can do for now.
  • 11 Oct 2011 00:59
    Quote
    Reply # 719550 on 668440
    Anonymous member
    David Tyler wrote:My mizzen sheet has a bad habit of taking a turn or two around the ensign staff, the vane and the antennae, when pitching badly in light winds. I too must do some experimenting when I get sailing again. It's beginning to get warmer and lighter downunder, shouldn't be too long now.

    I have had the same problem on Dragon's Wing, which has a Hasler/McLeod rig.  A radar mast on the stern also has a VHF antenna and an anemometer, all at risk during light air gybes.  Any ideas to avoid this other than not running downwind in light air appreciated.  The bungee cord idea is puzzling as it was described - are you just saying tie bungee cord from one quarter of the boat to the other with enough tension to pull down some on the sheets when they go slack?  That might work but how do you keep it from just falling aft when the sheets are taut and therefore doing no good when a gybe occurs?
  • 03 Aug 2011 10:45
    Quote
    Reply # 668440 on 656625
    Anonymous member
    My mizzen sheet has a bad habit of taking a turn or two around the ensign staff, the vane and the antennae, when pitching badly in light winds. I too must do some experimenting when I get sailing again. It's beginning to get warmer and lighter downunder, shouldn't be too long now.
  • 01 Aug 2011 11:59
    Quote
    Reply # 666968 on 656625
    Anonymous member
    Sorry for the slow reply. Just noticed your posting.
    As I recall on Marco Polo (now Teleport), I anchored the ends to the side decks in line with the end of the boom. The bungy cord arched over the sheet bundle at an angle of about 45 degrees, when the boom was amidships. It was a bit loose. I don't recall it causing any sheetlets to catch batten ends but I did not use it a lot. As it was, I always leaned far forward when tacking as the cockpit was short. There was nothing inboard for the net to snare.
    I will experiment with Josephine and get back to you later.
  • 17 Jul 2011 02:54
    Quote
    Message # 656625
    Anonymous member
    Jim Creighton wrote:
    By the way, he passed along a useful hint from his mentor concerning the control of that unruly mainsheet  net that sweeps the stern (and anything attached to it) during a gybe. Blondie (or Mike) told him to fit a long bungy cord from one side of the boat to the other with hooks on each end, in line with the end of the boom. When the boat gybes, the mainsheet goes limp and the bungy chord gently cradles the web of sheet and sheetlets, drawing them inboard until the sail pulls the lot taught again, stretching the cord. No snagging on wind vanes, aerials etc. I tried it myself and it worked well. Somehow it seemed untidy or makeshift but if it works, it works!

    I can't quite visualise where the bungee is led, Jim. Is it over top of/behind all the parts of the sheet? If so, I can see how it will prevent the sheet from entangling with vanes and antennae, but it would appear to increase the chances of sheets snagging on after batten ends during a tack.
    Also useful is a semicircular or trapezium shaped hoop over the cockpit, to prevent the sheet from garroting the crew as it sweeps across slack.


       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
                                                               - the Chinese Water Rat

                                                              Site contents © the Junk Rig Association and/or individual authors

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software