Jib Sheet Rigging Question

[Patriotskipper]

I'm nearing completion on my gaff rigged Stevenson Skipjack. I want to rig the jib loose footed with the traditional 2 sheet rig (like yours on Aslan, Frank). Should I just run each sheet straight back to a cam cleat, or should I use a block as well for improved purchase?

[Dave R1]

You should run the sheets through a block somewhere on deck and then back to a cleat or to a cheek block on the deck to bring the sheet across to the opposite side if you'd like to be holding onto it while sitting on the weather side. Frankly, I'd put the cam cleats on the deck so you'll cleat on the leeward side. The Skipjack is small enough that it isn't a long reach to get it.

The blocks need to be positioned so you get a proper lead on the sheet to allow the jib to be sheeted in properly without pinching.

I made my jib sheets from a single piece of line. I tied a butterfly loop in the middle. The clew of the jib has a short (4" or so) piece of line as a strop with a an eye in one end and a big stopper knot in the other. When I want to clip the jib in, I pull the stopper knot through the loop in the butterfly and then through the eye in the little strop.

There's no metal hardware to whack you in the eye or knock the paint off of something. It's very simple and essentially free. If the eye is made properly, it won't come apart accidently either.

[Patriotskipper]

Thanks Dave!

This is the last hang up I have with my boat. The rigging is not my strong point. If I understand you right, a block should be forward of the cleat but not so far forward as to keep the jib too constrained.

Does anyone have a good picture or diagram of this arrangement? A picture is worth a thousand words?

Thanks again,

-Steve

[Dave R1]

Steve, here's some info for you. Look at this link: http://www.glen-l.com/designs/sailboat/sailhdw-jiblead.html

[Dave R1]

FWIW, if you're interested in using the butterfly loop, here's how to tie it.

Make three turns aroound the palm of your hand with the line. Take the loop nearest your thumb and pull it toward your fingertips over the other two turns. Then grab the loop that is now nearest your thumb and pul it over the top, again toward to your finger tips. Continue with this loop by pushing it through the others back toward your thumb as you slide the whole thing off your hand. Pull the loops up tight with the loop you stuck through pulled out just a little.

I should take a closeup picture of my set up.

[Patriotskipper]

Thanks for your help again Dave!

I can't tell you how surprised I was when I saw your link to Glen-L. I spent countless hours going through all their plans for the perfect big boat for my family. I settled on the Fancy Free even before I layed the keel for my Skipjack. It sure is a small world. I would have never thought that Glen-L would be a source for info on how to rig my Skipjack!

Thanks for the knott advice too!

-Steve

[Frank Hagan]

Here's how I set up mine:

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[Patriotskipper]

Thanks Frank!

The pics really helped.

-Steve

[Bill]

Cam cleat 25" back from companionway bulkhead ... note 1" raised block, added after skinning knuckles on non-skid got tiresome!

Franks idea on raising the cam cleat is excellent. (sounds like he has the knuckles to prove it) There would be a lot of use and pressure here so make sure it is bedded and secured properly. A thought, is to make sure that the cam cleat is far enough back so you can use it easily in the cockpit (single handling?) If you intended to have someone handling the Jib separately it could be placed forward a bit further, as they would sit further ahead in the boat. If you intend to handle it back further (alone) it would be best to have it so that the angle of being able to release (the sheet) from the cam cleat (up) would be reduced, and make your menuvere quicker and easier. It may not be a big deal in a skipjack, but it's a thought.

Btw: a simple pair of sailing gloves, or any gloves with the fingers cut off just above the top knuckles, makes a day of Jib handling quite a bit easier...right frank?

best of luck...

Bill

[Frank Hagan]

Gloves ... DOH! That would work too!

I have to say, though, that the Weekender is pretty small, and the jib sheets are easy to reach no matter where you put them. I have mine in about the middle of the deck between the companion way and the lazarrette, and I can reach them easily (or let crew handle them).

[Bill]

I guess it was just on my mind. Recently, my brother and myself spent a couple of days on a J-24, daysailing around the Rockland/Camden area of Maine (beautiful area). We didn't have any family, supplies etc., on board, it was just sort of a day where we could screw around with the boat (chartered, like renting a car...let's see what we can do, sort of day)

Well, we had about 17 kt. winds (whitecaps) and spent most of the day with the rail buried, and us, standing upright. Our newest commands are:

"Ready-to-tack?".... (no reply needed) and "Gone!"

I had gloves on, since I had learned, looking at my previously burned fingers, they might be a good idea.

After our first day, playing..we stopped of at the local supply shop just up the street, to grap a new map for waters un-sailed...lo and behold, my brother comes walking out with his new pair of sailing gloves..looking like it might get serious.... he never spends a dime on something like that. (I think he would call it, foolish yachty sh@t..)

He now wears his gloves proudly/needfully.as he grips the sheets....I'm getting worried, does this mean we must bury the rails deeper, just because we have new gloves?

I'm not taking any chances, I just put my Sperry, Top-siders, back in the closet..in place of some..New Balance, sure grip, sneakers, to hike-out on...

b.

[Patriotskipper]

Thanks Ray & Bill,

You guys overwhelm me. Remember, I just have a little Skipjack. Really just a baby Weekender!