by JoeCapeCod » Wed May 11, 2022 2:09 pm
I am curious to know what choices of blocks members have made to upgrade the mainsheet to 4:1 with a two-part block with a cam cleat mounted on the center board and a single block with a fiddle on the boom. I have recently purchased an 84 Daysailer II that is rigged with original factory setup, which seems decidedly underwhelming for the kind of sailing I will do-- mostly single-handed, often main alone, on the blustery Buzzards Bay off Cape Cod. My boat has a very small stand up block with cam mounted on the center board with a 4-screw mounting plate and a small block on a bail on the boom. I am planning on removing the plate-mounted block and replacing it with a sturdy eye strap to accommodate a new setup. Ideally I'd prefer a ratchet in the center board block because of my single-handed plans, and I've been looking for what might work online in all the usual places: D&R, West, Defender, etc. Most of what I seem have the cam cleat set upside down so that cleating would be with an upward motion, which seems a little awkward for keeping the mainsheet in hand and uncleated so that adjustments in the puffs can be made easily, but maybe others have found this a good way to go. Although I don't see myself racing (been there done that years ago) I think some experienced racers might have some good ideas for a rig that works well and I am posting my question here, so as not exclude the experience of Daysailer I sailors. I recognize that many of the Daysailer I sailors will have line travelers mounted on the stern, which I don't intend to install, but I am still hoping to get some of their wisdom. Thanks in advance for any ideas or relevant experience you may be able to offer.