how do i fix my gennaker top to the mast

[sailbleu]

Could someone please help by telling me how to fix my gennaker to the top of my mast.
I must be doing something wrong because so far i have allready managed to snap a gennaker halyard forcing me into the mast to drop a guideline for a new halyard.
After a day sailing the gennaker halyard is so damaged that i need to cut that part off.
The damage is inflicted because of the movement the gennaker makes during sailing. I,ve allready tried to reinforce the halyard with a plastic tube with no luck.
I'm using a halyard exit next to the one of the genua , but given the damage it creates there is no doubt this is not the right setup.
I was told by somebody (but he wasn't sure) that i should be using a block which has to be attached to the ss ring in the front and top of the mast .
Also according to him i should use a lower mast exit for the gennakers halyard.
I really dont know what to do anymore, buti'm sure it's not normal thatafter a days sailing the halyard is completely wasted.
The gennaker thing is new for me as you clearly understand.

Oh yeah ,..i sail a 40DS.
All suggestions are appreciated.

Kind regards

Sorry no pictures as i'm posting this on my new android tablet and dont know how to resize and paste in pictures with this OS.

[MalcolmP]

Sounds to me that you need something like the attached image? You cant use the standard masthead internal genoa sheaves as the block has to be able to rotate etc

[rene460]

Hi sailbleu,
You definitely should not destroy a halyard in one days sailing.
I do not know what type of mast you have and what fittings it includes, but is it possible that your gennaker should use a spinnaker halyard which exits ABOVE the forestay? I.e same as assymetric? Likewise tack fitting in front of the forestay. It sounds like you may be using the second headsail halyard which is located below the forestay. I suspect that the damage is due to rubbing on the forestay and not good for it either. But headsail blocks are not always the best for any side loading.
My mast came with spinnaker exit block fitted, so it was easy. If you have to fit one there are several systems to investigate. Look for specific spinnaker exit blocks. Tell us what you have on the mast and I am sure others will offer additional suggestions.
Note also you must pull the head right up so it cannot swing from side to side, both for stability and to limit chafe.
I hope this helps, but persist, these special sails for down wind are great fun especially in light conditions.
rene460

iCard

[sailbleu]

Oh webcrew , that is -i think- exactly what i need.
Does that mean the halyard (returning to the winch) runs outside the mast ?

Rene, thanks for your input.

I wish i was able to post some pics of my masttop.
I will/can do so next weekwhen i have a usb 3Ginternet stick to put in my laptop.
Right now i'm on a mooring in Faro Portugal you see.
Hopefully there is a 40DS ownerwho can get me out of my misery, although webcrew is very close i suppose.

Thanks for the quick respons anyway.

Kind regards

[MalcolmP]

Jul 10, 2012 12:57:07 GMT sailbleu said:

Oh webcrew , that is -i think- exactly what i need.
Does that mean the halyard (returning to the winch) runs outside the mast ?

In the short term you could leave the down halyard tail outside the mast - downside is windage and probably banging halyards etc - there is though probably an entry/exit sheave on the mast above the upper spreader where you can divert the down tail to make it neater, but if not may need the mast down to install unless you like spending hours in a bosun's chair

If you have a Z spar unit it may be a Z601 or Z800E section - have a look at:
www.zsparsuk.com/z601.htm

www.zsparsuk.com/z800e.htm

This actually shows a U bolt (1696) or (165) that you could directly attach a block - maybe this is just missing?

Z Spars in the UK are always helpful - give them a call or better still try to send them a photo of your masthead

Then sounds like you have a new project to write up for hints and tips

Enjoy Portugal

[sailbleu]

Malcolm, as always you've been very helpfull.
I have the z601.
Will do another climb shortly to reorganise the halyard , install a block and lead the line through.
Still wonder what the 1616 wheel is for though.
Again ' maybe another 40DS owner can share his opinion on this.
However , i'm (close to) out of the woods now.
Thanks again.
Btw , Portugal is great. I wish you the same weather as we have here !!!!
Dont worry about hints and tips items , i'll be back


Kind regards

[MalcolmP]

Jul 10, 2012 16:38:10 GMT sailbleu said:

Malcolm, as always you've been very helpfull.
............
Still wonder what the 1616 wheel is for though.

Very glad to help, I may need to fix my fridge sometime what goes around comes around....

I imagine you should be able to use the 1616 sheave to take the tail into the mast after it has gone around the new swivel top block

[sailbleu]

Really no other 40DS owner that can give his/her insights on the matter ?
Hard to believe i'm the only owner that (wants to) sails a gennaker .

Oh and Malcolm , that fridge keeps pulling his weight . Even in a + 30* Celcius environment.
Just hope i'm not stretching my luck by bragging about it :-)

Regards.

[j]

Jul 10, 2012 16:38:10 GMT sailbleu said:

Still wonder what the 1616 wheel is for though.

my guess is that it's for a spinnaker pole topping lift (up haul)

[cpetku]

Jul 12, 2012 6:13:39 GMT sailbleu said:

Hard to believe i'm the only owner that (wants to) sails a gennaker .

As a new Owner I'm also interested in it but have no experience to offer. Waiting to see how this works out for you and looking in to a used asymetrical. Trying to figure out how much these should cost since some lofts are having sales on new ones as well...

Looking at my mast thie weekend and a 40.3 next to me I realized two blocks on the forward side of the mast (sort of like your 1616) were for adjusting the spinnaker pole height. The interesting thing is I dont have the track installed between them on the mast to install a spinnaker (the 40.3 did).

Looks like the most reasonable setup for me will be an asymetrical. Had the boat running wing on wing in light wind, but there just wasn't enough sail cloth to get up to speed.