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Post by element on Mar 28, 2020 16:14:53 GMT
Our webmaster recently asked me about how the conversion has been done on our 39i to a German Sheeting system for the mainsheet. The conversion was already done when we bought the boat. So I can't tell anything about the process but I can share some pictures of the end result (especially now there is a good solution again to show pictures). When the webmaster wants to copy below to another place of the owners website, this is off course fine by me. Hereby the sheeting from the boom which lead trough to blocks at the front end of the boom: The turning block on deck is just too low to have a straight line from the boom, so a metal strip is placed to protect the gelcoat: The mainsheet is led aft trough two small tubes: And let to turning blocks near the winches. These are beautiful double harken blocks with clamps (?, if that is the right english word). The lower block is for the mainsheet. The leeward block for the mainsheet will be clamped, so the sheet can be controlled with the windward winch. Personally, I think this construction is a bit more elegant then using stoppers, and also the angle of the sheet from block to winch is not an issue. The upper block is for the foresail sheet (not fitted on this picture): Finally, as Malcolm already noted, you don't want the loose end of the mainsheet near the wheel and engine control. Therefore a small bag has been made to store the mainsheet (@ Malcom, I think your mainsheet is a bit too long.....) I have to say that I needed some time to get used to the routine of closing the clamp before tacking, but it works pretty well. I have no experience with the original setup, but I would definitely not like it that I can't control the mainsheet when I am at the wheel.
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 28, 2020 16:41:48 GMT
That looks very neat, neater than my own DIY set-up www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/retrofitgermanmainsheet.htmlYour system has more falls in the mainsheet cascade, but then as the performance version you do have a larger mainsail. The fairlead system looks very neat, do you find the mainsheet ever jambs with the genoa car? They must be quite close. Agree it works very well and I also like having the easy access and control at the helm, rather tan having to go forward to the coachroof. I do like having the Spinlock clutches that I retrofitted as they can be released under load Thanks for the offer of the photos, I may well add them to the Hints and Tips article as a better solution, once I get the 23hq photo issues corrected... Thanks for sharing
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Post by element on Mar 28, 2020 16:57:13 GMT
It is indeed a neat system. I understood the previous owner had figured most out, but I the installation has been done by a professional. And with all harken blocks, the conversion will have cost probably more then you spend on it.
I have not yet experienced that the mainsheet jammed with the genua car. But we have not yet covered many miles under sail since we have the boat. But I don't expect it will happen soon.
Finally, would be perfect to add them to the Hints and tricks section when you have time for it. In the weeks to come, I will share some upgrades done by myself last couple of months.
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Post by jdl01 on Mar 28, 2020 18:31:55 GMT
Thank you element for a very useful post. As a user of the german sheeting system for the main for 8 years, I offer the following. If geometry permits, installing a large rope clutch easily accessible to both the helm and the cockpit will perform better than a line jammer on a turning block for the main sheet. Line jammers are difficult to release under load - you have to transfer the load back onto the winch before it will open. When you sheet in, a clutch automatically stops the line whereas a jammer has to be set by manually, closing the jammer while slightly easing the sheet. In gusty conditions going to weather I generally play the main traveller to smooth out the boat heel if I have crew. When short or single handed, I must rely on the mainsheet control from the helm and having a quick and easy release of a clutch to reduce the impact of gusts is reassuring. As said at the outset, geometry and space will dictate what you can do, but anyone contemplating a conversion should keep rope clutches in mind.
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 28, 2020 19:07:45 GMT
Thank you element for a very useful post. As a user of the german sheeting system for the main for 8 years, I offer the following. If geometry permits, installing a large rope clutch easily accessible to both the helm and the cockpit will perform better than a line jammer on a turning block for the main sheet. Line jammers are difficult to release under load - you have to transfer the load back onto the winch before it will open. When you sheet in, a clutch automatically stops the line whereas a jammer has to be set by manually, closing the jammer while slightly easing the sheet. In gusty conditions going to weather I generally play the main traveller to smooth out the boat heel if I have crew. When short or single handed, I must rely on the mainsheet control from the helm and having a quick and easy release of a clutch to reduce the impact of gusts is reassuring. As said at the outset, geometry and space will dictate what you can do, but anyone contemplating a conversion should keep rope clutches in mind. Agree glad I fitted clutches, although could be neater...they just fitted on the original moulding It is also a slight issue getting the angle into and out of the clutch within the recommended max of 10 degrees, but would add a trip hazard to put a plate with organizers. The compromise above has worked fine for us for past 8 seasons
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Post by zaphod on Mar 28, 2020 19:37:50 GMT
German sheeting is definitely something I would like to do. In terms of simplicity I like the turning blocks with the jam cleats better than the rope clutches, with the poor lead angle and associated friction that would cause, although I too would be concerned about the difficulty "blowing" the mainsheet under load in an emergency.
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 28, 2020 22:33:00 GMT
German sheeting is definitely something I would like to do. In terms of simplicity I like the turning blocks with the jam cleats better than the rope clutches, with the poor lead angle and associated friction that would cause, although I too would be concerned about the difficulty "blowing" the mainsheet under load in an emergency. I don't disagree that the turning blocks with jammers look better. We are not racers but the slight extra friction has not been an issue and after 8 quite hard seasons the sheets are not showing any significant wear. Also of course the images above are showing the worst case scenario of the port winch layout. On starboard the angle is not as sharp due to the winch still being wound on clockwise. Overall being able to open the clutch, plus being able to shift quickly the use between the main and genoa makes it the best option in my view.
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Post by alenka on Apr 1, 2020 11:29:37 GMT
A Jeanneau we chartered in the BVI's had the German sheeting system and to be honest it took a little time to get used to it. In fact we never really felt at ease and this was reinforced when during one tack we got it wrong and the sheet disappeared into the hidden runs under the deck.
With no mouse lines in situ we were unable to rethread it and had to call upon an engineer with a suitable stiff piece of wire to get us back up and running.
If you have a new Jeanneau with hidden runs for sheets and halyards it is well worth investing in a suitable puller/pusher to rethread sheets.
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Post by MalcolmP on May 7, 2020 13:54:32 GMT
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