J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum One Design Class Rules Toe Rail Replacement

For discussion.

is there any intrest in a revision of the toe rail requirement limiting to plastic or wood. The installation of a standard 1-1/4 inch T track.

Pros. no maintaince, ability to place cars, snach blocks ect to the rail, easier in crew legs.. miminum leakage,

cons... kinda pricey,,,(initially),,

maybe we can allow the installation, but not allow the use in 1 design events.

comments??

Harley - some questions on the toe rail switch.

• How much did it cost to switch from the original toe rail to the metal track?
• What caused you to make the switch?
• Can you describe how you have anything setup different than before it was installed (e.g. you now use it for spinnaker turning blocks rather than fixed padeyes, etc.)
• What advantages have you found while sailing that you didn't have with the old toe rail?

For reference, I'm providing a link to the original post Harley asked the question that started this discussion.

Having owned a C&C many years ago, I'd suggest that the metal toe rail is markedly less comfortable for the crew when hiking than the standard J/30 rails.

How much did it cost to switch from the original toe rail to the metal track?
I do not remember to cost but the current Defender price is 58$/4 feet plus the screws. 5/16" dia x 1-1/2 @ 4'' o.c

What caused you to make the switch?
We were getting the boat ready for the MEXICO race in 1996 and the wood was needing the usual maintaince. also long hours on the rail tend to be difficult. We set the boat up with a staysail rig and found that the #2 to the toe rail was a nice feature very balanced on a screaming reach.

Can you describe how you have anything setup different than before it was installed (e.g. you now use it for spinnaker turning blocks rather than fixed padeyes, etc.)
About the only time it is used for sail trim, is in the staysail set or a barberhauler configuration. it is not used in 1 design and not really needed.


What advantages have you found while sailing that you didn't have with the old toe rail,
less time with a varnish brush, no more leaks and if you look at the structrual aspects a case can be made for a stronger hull deck joint.
also the T-Track is not the traditional C&C edge (aka leg knife) it is a flat profile so it is a lot more comfortable on the crew. (less whining)


this modification is to take advantage of a product that requires less maintaince, more comfortable and in a PERF worl a bit more flexability. I will grab some pictures this week end for reference

Hey Harley-

We may have enough crew to come down for the Mardi Gras regatta. If we are able to get it together-do you want to trek across the lake and try for a repeat?

Steve