J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Main sheet

In my experience mainsheets work best with standard polyester double braid. You want a line that is easy to handle and runs well through the blocks. The load is spread over the parts of the system and only a short length of line is loaded. Most high tech lines are too stiff and you pay a lot for all that the unloaded tail.

I did an inventory on what I had available for blocks to reuse and found I only needed to buy the middle double (Harken 2638) and the triple. The Harken 196 Low Profile Triple with Cam & Becket isn't available anymore so I bought the Harken 2618 (57mm Carbo Triple Swivel with Cam/Becket). I'm using 3/8" blue Sta-set for the fine tune (Main sheet is white). I put an eye splice in the end of the fine tune that attaches to the Becket. I'm ready to head to Rhapsody and install it.

Now questions on cosmetics. David - what did you use to make those nice labels and what do you use to put them on so they are weather proof? Second question - where did you get the little ball on the end of the fine tune?

I braved the cold today and installed the new fine-tune system for the main sheet. I found that the bottom of the Harken 2618 Carbo block had a larger diameter pin than the hole at the top of the Harken 170 Hexacat. I drilled out the rivets on the top of the Hexacat so I could remove the top plate and drill the hole so it would accept the pin from the 2618. I used #10 stainless screws with locknuts to reassemble the block. This isn't the way I wanted to approach it, but I already spent the money for the blocks. Next project is to redo the traveler. Here are some pictures of the installation.




[This message has been edited by Rhapsody #348 (edited 01-23-2008).]

I modified my existing mainsheet a bit differently. My existing mainsheet - which I believe is the standard block arrangement on the J-30 consists of a triple block attached to the boom, and a double block with becket attached to a single block with becket and cam which is fastened to the traveler car.
I used a Double block with becket (Harken 004) and a Triple with Cam (Harken 094). The existing sheet that was previously fastened to the becket on the lower double block is now spliced on to the shackle of the new double block. A new ¼" line is spliced onto the becket of the Harken 004 double block. Then rove back and forth though the triple with cam which is fastened to a eye strap attached to the existing single block with cam. The eye strap is attached to the mounting bolts for the cam on the exiasting large single block with cam.



[This message has been edited by Jerry K.Tremmel (edited 01-20-2008).]

Bill - I bought a Brother Label Maker at Staples. They have some label tape that is highly sticky and weather proof. Works great. The ball at the end I got at the local West Marine it is just a sheet stopper ball. Usually used on dingy's.

DB

When I try to decipher some of these fine tune setup's I get a headache.

Please help with:

1. Part numbers and brands of blocks for your dream fine-tune setup.

2. A diagram with part numbers arrowed in.

3. Optimum length of line for both purchases.

4. Lessons learned.

I only want to order parts once. And I'm positive someone has the answers to the perfect setup. (ie. I don't want to compromise or modify blocks, or rebuild the mousetrap).

If you have the time please help

Nevermind, I think I have my answer. Any lessons learned would still help.

http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant..._Code=MPS&Category_Code=HARMAINSYS16

1. put the little sheet stop ball on the fine tune so it is easy to release when tacking and easy to grab
2. use different colors for fine and coarse adjustment lines
3. Don't eye splice the end of the coarse adjust sheet. Tie a bowline so you can set the distance on the fine tune blocks. Look at the photo above from either Mallorca or Rhapsody.
4. Individual preference, but I never use the blocks in the ratchet mode on the main sheet. Makes it easier to release the main when you need to

big issue I have is the blocks twisting the line up. I noticed your top triple is fixed and not a swivel. Would anyone recommend the best way to avoid twists? (ie. all swivel, all fixed, top fixed with bottom swivel)

I have been running the bottom block with the double cams off the Harkin #332 two-speed main sheet system. Use the existing triple block on the boom and just replace the lower double ratchet and double cam from Harkin. You use a double ended -- single line mainsheet and there is no confusion factor. You pull one end for fine tune and both ends for fast adjustment. This system has worked for seven years in Puget Sound and one trip to Hawaii without any problem except for wearing the cam cleats. To repair you simply buy the appropriate cam cleat and take the pieces off and rebuild both sides of the Harkin cleats.

Bob