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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Anyone here using a downhaul???

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/13/2006 : 09:19:37

Hi All, I have worked diligently to route all my lines to the cockpit so I don't have to go forward while solo. I have a dodger that does not allow my fat %#$ to pass on the outside very easy so going forward is a pain even in calm waters. Yesterday, after I was done sailing, I had to scootch between the dodger and cabin top to get forward to pull the sail down.... So, I started thinging about installing a downhaul to douse the main. Does anyone have experience with this? Is there anything I need to watchout for? Cheers.

Dennis
No Boat
S.E. Michigan

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 09:31:04

It has never been an issue so far. If I let out the main halyard, that mainsail will promply drop like a stone.
Now I stand on the deck with the Main halyard in hand and the clutch open, and I ease the halyard as I control the sail. Going to install the low cost lazy jacks soon.
Paul.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 09:33:15

I rigged a mains'l "dousing line" on Passage... (I consider the "downhaul" to be what pulls the gooseneck down on the mast.) The line can be small and cheap, of course, and doesn't need a clutch--a little closed cam-cleat can keep in snug. I used a small shackle to clip it to the grommet for the topmost slug--don't hitch it to the top of the headboard, because if it pulls the headboard over to the side, the sail won't want to come down.

You also want to make sure the line runs freely as you raise the main--I uncoil it and drop it into the cabin. You don't want to lay it where it will catch under the pop-top as you're raising the sail. Otherwise, it's all very simple (and effective). BTW, don't forget to lube the mast track from time to time--I like Super Lube, but some have even used liquid soap.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/13/2006 11:59:48

DoubleD
1st Mate

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USA
61 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 09:49:38

I use a line on the main and the genoa. It works great. My main usually comes right down when I release the halyard.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 10:16:30

I have a downhaul rigged on the headsail. It is simply a 1/4" line routed forward along the rail via fairleads to a swivel block at the base of the forestay. There is a snapshackle on the end of the line attaches to the head of the jib.

Spinlock makes some very nice fairleads that clamp on the rail stanchions. I use the 'plain' model fairleads aft and a the fancier roller fairlead up at the pulpit where the line makes a bit of a turn to the bow. (product references follow)

http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SPIWL1&Category_Code=SPIFURLEADBULL

http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SPIWL2&Category_Code=SPIFURLEADBULL

Be sure to pull the downhaul up tight and secure the bitter end after hoisting the jib or it can wrap on the forestay under brisk conditions.
(don't ask how I know this)

Edited by - on

jaclasch
Navigator

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USA
104 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 10:42:32

Catalina Direct has a jib downhaul kit listed for $49.95.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2006 : 17:51:57

Yes, Dousing line is the better term Paul. I read these posts and rigged on up in ten minutes. This has not been a problem in light air, but in 15-25 I really need the main to come down quick. Cheers and thanks.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2006 : 12:41:59

Hi Dennis,

I've been trying to think of the material that I use to replace the down haul line but for the life of me I couldn't remember its name. Today I made a special note to check it out on board and VOILA I remembered it. SAIL COTE is it's name and it puts all else that I've used over the years to shame. Just spray it on the sail slides and away you go. I use it on most everything where friction is a culprit, pop top sliding hatch, hatch boards and for me especially the furling jib rope. West Marine had it when last I looked. A little pricy @ $18+ for ten ounces but, hey, it works.

Val on Calista, # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2006 : 12:48:40

Thanks Val, one more thing to put on the list :>) Cheers.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.