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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Swing keel haul system

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/15/2006 : 21:48:27

The load on the swing keel haul system from the cockpit is way to heavy, I can handle it, but no way can Peggy pull that puppy up.
The block and tackle system aft of the cabin steps uses blocks that are about 1" dia.

I believe that the smaller the block the higher the friction and so the greater the force needed to overcome the load.
(Based on the thought that a rope around a sharp edge is one extreme and a large wheel provides more leverage is the other)

Am I correct in thinking that increasing the block diameter will make it easier to pull the keel up?

Has anyone used larger blocks here?

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

JohnMD
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 05:30:44

I can't remember what the block and tackle ratio is, but, you might do better going from say a 3 to 1 to a 4 to 1. You would have to pull more rope. I know from having different ratio on mainsheets, it makes a big difference.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 06:44:03

The b&t system needs to be in good shape to avoid drag at several points. The culprit areas could be<ul><li>the wire line block has a lot of friction, replace with a better quality</li><li>the 90 degree swivel shackle has often been installed on the wrong end of the b&t, exchange it so that the line entering the block does not induce knots into the b&t</li><li>the turning ball is frozen, lubricate and ensure it is running free</li><li>the block in the trunk is not turning freely or the wire line if off the block and pinched between the sheave and mount</li></ul>
When I examined my system which had become very difficult to operate, there was both a problem with a great quantity of knots induced into the b&t as well as the wire block had a good bit of drag associated with its nickle plating. Nickle has very poor self lubricating qualities when rubbing against itself, and this brass block can be made much better by removing the sheave, and sanding off the nickle plating.

I found that the swivel shackle was mounted on the wrong end which forced the entry angle of the line on the first block to be at a very bad angle which induced twist knots into the b&t. The twist knots of course greatly inferfered with the free operation of the line on the blocks.

For those who keep their boat in the water, many have had trouble keeping the turning ball from fouling. Some have found it frozen with a deep groove worn into the ball by the line.

When examining, remember that a system problem could be single or multiple issue.

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britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2006 : 06:56:47

Thanks for the detailed response Arlyn, I'll check that out this evening and see if there are any issues with the block & tackle.
(the boat is only 8 months old!)

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.