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C/D Jib Downhaul Kit

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kiko
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/05/2014 : 17:06:03

Do you have any pics of your deck that you can share on where you installed your jib downhaul kit? Specifically the fairleads? Did you run them at deck level, or up beside the pop top?

thanks!

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2014 : 17:33:25

I'm not familiar with the CD kit, but I think I'd run the downhaul along the stanchions to minimize tripping. You can get fairleads that clamp on the stanchions, or little swivel blocks that can attach to the bases.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2014 : 17:43:53

Thinking about that further, I'm referring to a situation where the jib halyard is led back to the cockpit.

Also, I looked at the CD kit, and I disagree with one point. I suggest attaching the downhaul to the topmost hank--not to the halyard or headboard. The reason is that if it pulls the headboard over to one side, the top hank binds on the forestay, and tries to keep the sail from coming down. At least that's what I found on my Daysailer many, many years ago.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2014 : 20:42:29

I found that tying it to the second hank from the top worked the best. This method prevented the headboard from being pulled over and binding.

Dave's suggestion is the easiest and safest way to run the downhaul.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 06:23:37

Ya, first or second hank... Depends on the sail. We didn't have a hank-on genny on our C-25--LOVED her roller-furler!!

Edited by - on

kiko
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 11:53:24

Thanks for the advice and tips, appreciated!

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 17:00:28

quote:
Originally posted by Stinkpotter

Ya, first or second hank... Depends on the sail. We didn't have a hank-on genny on our C-25--LOVED her roller-furler!!

Notice how I said "worked" the best.

Roller furling is the only way to go! Best investment I've made on the boat. Pull one string, go sailing. Pull another string and go motoring!

Almost like being a stinkpotter!

Edited by - GaryB on 08/06/2014 17:01:43

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 17:07:59

Hi all,

Help me understand one thing about downhauling a headsail: What happens to the sail once it hits the deck? Does a hand not need to go forward to gather the sail and prevent it from blowing overboard anyway? And if crew is up there, would they not act as the downhaul?

Always wondered about this...

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 17:19:20

When I had mine I tried to turn up into the wind and get the sail as close to the center-line of the boat then lull the down-haul down as tight against the deck as possible. Once secured I pulled the sheets tight on both sides.

If it was really windy the sail would sometimes balloon up but always stayed on deck. Once in sheltered waters I'd release the sheets and run forward to secure the sail.

I was always very careful when going forward but after nearly getting tossed overboard a couple of times while securing the head sail I decided the furler had to happen.

I was about to put the boat up for sale when I decided to buy the furler. The difference between the effort of sailing with hank-on sails and sailing with the furler was so drastic that I decided to keep the boat. I will never sail a boat larger than a day-sailor without a furler.

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 19:39:00

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

Hi all,

Help me understand one thing about downhauling a headsail: What happens to the sail once it hits the deck? Does a hand not need to go forward to gather the sail and prevent it from blowing overboard anyway? And if crew is up there, would they not act as the downhaul?

Always wondered about this...

The downhaul needs a cleat so the sail is held down, then haul in on the sheet to pul the sail back along the deck. Between the downhaul and the sheet the sail will stay down pretty well, I never had to go forward in a blow to secure it. I used a down haul on my '82 and loved it, I used it with a headsail bag, Putting the sail away requires simple folding into the gag and takes about as long as taking the sail off the forestay and putting it away. The great thing is hoisting the sail is super quick when you want to go sailing. So it doesn't save a lot of time putting the sail away but it sure gets you out on the water quick.

Flake

roll

bag

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 19:41:02

Thanks for the description...I can see how that process would often work-out. I would worry, however, about windage from a suddenly billowing sail caught in a strong gust. Seems to me like the times I wouldn't want to go forward are the times I am perhaps dropping headsail to reduce sail area. Not the best conditions for a suddenly half-full, un-controllable sail.

A genoa seems especially difficult to keep on deck ...but I acknowledge I have never tried.

Ahhh...I do dream of a furler...

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 20:02:05

The entire luff is secured by the downhaul, while the clew is secured by the sheet. Wind from astern can billow the leech, but it isn't really going any anywhere. Sending someone forward is OK--if you have someone who's comfortable doing that in a blow... But are they going to sit on the sail until you get to the dock? And if you don't have that person,.....

Absent a furler, and short-handed, a downhaul (or "douser") is better than none.

I used something like a 3/16" line that I could run through a couple of other hanks to prevent it from flopping around under sail, which it will tend to do even if you cleat it after hoisting the sail. There's no need for fatter rope.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/06/2014 20:08:45

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2014 : 21:01:17

Notice the broad black velcro strap in my photos. It has a buckle that allows it to cinch up. We would use that to hold the sail when appropriate. Billowing up is not a huge problem, I used it in big wind. Remember you will have hanked on an appropriate sail for the wind, you won't have a 150 at 25 mph true.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2014 : 10:47:33

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

Hi all,

Help me understand one thing about downhauling a headsail: What happens to the sail once it hits the deck? Does a hand not need to go forward to gather the sail and prevent it from blowing overboard anyway? And if crew is up there, would they not act as the downhaul?

Always wondered about this...

Sail closehauled on port tack. Heave to. Douse sail. It will flake itself because of how the hanks are built, no folding of the sail on the foredeck is ever needed. I would do this and then simply roll the sail up, done.

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2014 : 14:27:36

This is all so helpful! Good point... I wouldn't likely have the 150 up in my stated scenario.

As far as the "person sitting on the rail," I typically have crew go forward to douse the jib, then secure it with line wrapped around the gathered sail, then return to cockpit.

But, I am convinced! Next on my list is the headsail down haul. Do I wish I had a mainsail down haul, too, and just don't know it yet?

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2014 : 18:23:37

Hmmm... You're in Bend, OR, probably sail on a lake (?), and have crew who go forward... Suddenly I'm less convinced of the need.

My situation was single-handing or with "passengers" in (sometimes) 3' seas on Long Island Sound, where if someone had to go onto the foredeck, it was me.

But a roller furler will still change your life!

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2014 : 00:28:59

Well, I often sail single-handed on my little lake, which typically has very strong winds. And, I do find occasions to sail her on the Columbia River and sailed the San Juans for 8 days in June (Fantastic!). So, I may as well get her as equipped as I can afford.

I did just invest in the mast gate so I can reef better single-handed.

Edited by - on

DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2014 : 04:47:09

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

Do I wish I had a mainsail down haul, too, and just don't know it yet?

I couldn't possibly see a scenario where that would be necessary. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a good application of sail-kote should bring the main down faster than a downhaul.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2014 : 07:00:00

quote:
Originally posted by DavidBuoy

...Correct me if I'm wrong, but a good application of sail-kote should bring the main down faster than a downhaul.

Yup, although not always in Force 5+ winds. But the headsail can be another matter, as the wind tries to push it back up the forestay.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4034 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2014 : 08:43:03

I could see the use of a downhaul on the main if you have lazyjacks. The downhaul would pull down the last 1/4 to 1/3 of sail that won't drop because it just does not have enough weight left to overcome the halyard weight and friction of the sheaves. Without lazyjacks whats the point, You still have to go to the mast anyway to tie up the sail. In my worthless opinion on the headsail, Save the money spent on buying line and the hardware and put it to a RF, You won't regret it.

Edited by - on

jhorner
1st Mate

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USA
26 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2014 : 06:36:01

So, what is the costs involved with setting up a furling headsail system?

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2014 : 14:38:23

http://www.sailrite.com/CDI-Furler-Flexible-FF4

$680

You might find it cheaper, add the ball bearings in two years.

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/14/2014 : 00:30:08

OK, so I went to Ace and got some line and rigged some blocks I already had and made myself a down haul. $20 thus far. The thing worked great and the jib did indeed stay on the deck in the moderate winds I had. I raised and lowered it like 5 times just because it was fun. Truly. I still need to buy a cleat for it, but am waiting a while to see just where I want it. Right now I am simply tying it off on a stanchion just forward of the cockpit (easy reach).

BTW, I was going to invest in fairleads I could clamp to the stanchions, but I saw on-line somewhere that someone simply ran the line between the stanchion and the little stanchion support legs. I figured I would start w/ free and easy and improve as needed. SO far, I like it just as it is. The line seems to lay perfectly along the lip of the gunwale and there is no significant friction from this.

Thanks for the safe (and fun) (and cheap) upgrade!

Now on to the leaking whale faucets...

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/14/2014 : 18:52:15

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

OK, so I went to Ace and got some line and rigged some blocks I already had and made myself a down haul. $20 thus far. The thing worked great and the jib did indeed stay on the deck in the moderate winds I had. I raised and lowered it like 5 times just because it was fun. Truly. I still need to buy a cleat for it, but am waiting a while to see just where I want it. Right now I am simply tying it off on a stanchion just forward of the cockpit (easy reach).

BTW, I was going to invest in fairleads I could clamp to the stanchions, but I saw on-line somewhere that someone simply ran the line between the stanchion and the little stanchion support legs. I figured I would start w/ free and easy and improve as needed. SO far, I like it just as it is. The line seems to lay perfectly along the lip of the gunwale and there is no significant friction from this.

Thanks for the safe (and fun) (and cheap) upgrade!

Now on to the leaking whale faucets...

I just ran mine straight back from the block across the cabin top and wrapped it around one of my cabintop winches a couple of turns.

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 08/15/2014 : 21:36:47

I thought about that, but was concerned that the elevated angle from the bow to the cabin top would cause the line to be in the air forward of the mast/hatch...thereby creating a trip hazard...Am I again mis-perceiving this? LOL!

Have I hijacked this thread? If so, I sure apologize...

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/16/2014 : 06:57:37

It definitely created a tripping hazard but thanks to the down-haul I was no longer going forward while out on the bay it wasn't a problem. Once I got to calmer, more protected waters I released the line and went forward to properly secure the sail until I was back at the dock.

BTW... I sail solo 99.9999% of the time so no one else was on-board to trip over the line.

Edited by - GaryB on 08/16/2014 07:03:19

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