Jib downhaul

[Spinnytoo]

I would like to add a jib downhaul so it can be lowered from the cockpit. A line is attached to the head of the jib and runs down towards the tack of the jib to a block....at that point does the line cut across the deck, on top of the cuddy to a jam cleat, or does the line go across the deck through the cuddy an back up to the jam cleat or does the line that is attached to the head of the jib runs down to the block at the tack and back up to a block on the mast and goes down the mast to the jam cleat on the cuddy.... Thanks for the input!

[TIM WEBB]

Doesn't need to be anything fancy, just a (thin-ish) line attached at the head, lead through a block at the tack, and back to a cleat that can be reached from the cockpit. Some folks will lead the line through all the hanks. TRW has small horn cleats mounted just inboard of the chainplates, and I use the stbd one for the jib DH. The head end has a simple bowline tied in it through which I pass the topmost hank. The block at the tack is simply shackled to the forestay lever right above the stemhead. It's worked like a charm for 10+ years!

[Spinnytoo]

Thanks Tim.....I was definitely over thinking it!!!

[jeadstx]

As Tim said, the line does not need to be heavy, I use 3/16" line for my jib downhaul. I put a loop in one end that I attach to the uppermost hank on the jib. I originally attached it to the head of the jib, but encountered some snags, so I changed it to the hank. I just run the line down to a small block mounted next to the stemhead. From there it goes to a small fairlead near the aft end of the cuddy cabin and up to an aluminum clam cleat with fairlead mounted on the top of the cuddy cabin that is easily accessible from the cockpit. Works great.

John

[Alan]

I never got as far as installing this (went with a furler instead), but it looks like it would work. It's got two stages, pull the jib out of action, and pull it all the way down to the deck.

http://www.widgetsailor.com/myboat/downhaul/

If memory serves, Talbot's got a jib downhaul with a small block in the downhaul line that doubles the speed.

[TIM WEBB]

I actually tried that method first when I first set up the DH, but found it too "fiddly" to rig up every time. Also, in use it never seemed to work smoothly in the two stages, and it seemed to me that there was a potential for friction burns on the jib from the DH line, so I just went with the simpler setup.

[Alan]

Guess I won't give up on the furler, then.

[TIM WEBB]

If I wasn't trailer sailing, and TRW was on a mooring or in a slip, I'd have furling in a heartbeat ... ;-P

[GreenLake]

Now about rigging on a trailer.

I have a furler on a different boat and find that rigging it is actually faster than with what I have.

Just goes to show you.

[jeadstx]

I've given thought to having a furler from time to time, but haven't felt the need for it. My downhaul has worked fine.

John

[GreenLake]

I haven't seen the need for a downhaul on the DS (the way I sail it). When not single handing there's always crew to send onto the foredeck

Seriously, haven't missed a downhaul. On the other boat, the furler came pre-installed. Easier to rig on a trailer than I had anticipated, but in operation has jammed occasionally, usually on unfurling. Esp. annoying as with that boat, unless crewed, it's impossible to go forward without flipping the boat (one eager crew tried this at the dock and when I returned from the parking lot with the trailer found her bobbing like a cork... Oh, the memorable moments!)

For the DS, if I ever get the courage (and spare budget) to follow K.C.'s lead and add a UPS, that would go on a furler. In which case I might want a DH on the jib.

[jeadstx]

I like the jib downhaul because with my bad knees, I look for reasons not to get on the foredeck of my DS, especially in coastal waters or high winds.

John

[GreenLake]

Myself, I tend to go forward only when rigging the boat. The few times I had to take the jib down and it needed a bit of encouragement, a boat hook or a paddle was all it took....

[TIM WEBB]

Given the speed and severity with which storms pop up here in FL, it became quite apparent to me, within the first couple of times I sailed TRW, that being able to quickly and easily lower the sails from the cockpit was a must, especially when singlehanded, which I am 99% of the time. The jib downhaul was a quick, easy, inexpensive addition to the rigging, and every time I've really needed it, I've been really glad I installed it! ;-P

[GreenLake]

Local conditions make (all) the difference.