Leech Lines
June 12, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
All about character
Allowing precise sail adjustment. Leech lines run from the top of mainsails and foresails to bottom. Depending on what you want from your sail, you can tweak these lines it improve the sail characteristics. Wind dictates how well a sail curves. The curve of the sail relates to the efficiency of the boat to use the wind.
The speed differential of one side of the sail to the other is how the boat moves through the water. Same with airplane wings. These ropes tend to be pre stretched, so this won’t occur for the customer. Some sailors spend a lot of time perfecting the leech for the conditions. Used in relation to other “tweaker strings” this can be the difference of 1/2 a knot over the ground.
just to the right of the clew runs the leech line which offers tuning
What’s the difference?
That extra half a knot makes a difference! You can get from A to B quicker, making your crew happy to keep sailing. It’s always a shame to switch the engine on at the end of the day. Having the right leech lines in your sails means, less engine expense! So give yours a look over and discover whether you could get more from the wind!
Taking the lead starts here
You can buy more here. Provided by West Marine. They have the right product for you. Their forty years of being in business is clearly demonstrated in their customer service.
Take advantage! West Marine are offering a 10% discount, when you spend over $100!
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Dock Lines
June 12, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
In this case memory is bad
When your leaving or returning to the dock, are your dock lines coiling in the same places? If they are then they have developed a memory. This is a sign of wear and tear. Because the
cord settles in the same place each time you coil, then it's strength is compromised. Quite apart from the signal your docking lines send to other pontoon users, hockling and kinks are the sign to change them.
As the lines are subjected to:
- UV
- Temperature change
- Wind & rain
- Abrasion by wear and also salt
You want to have cords that stand up to the test.
Nicely coiled, but not kinked
How about if you could get cords with the following:
- Easy coil, no memory design
- Coated to protect against the harsh environment
- Pre stretched so wear is limited
Continued development
Advances in the boating world happen all the time. Fibers improve, techniques are honed, providing you with better products. Each and every time.
Get the advantage
Take advantage! West Marine are offering a 10% discount, when you spend over $100!
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Cable Tension Meter
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
CTM
- A cable tension meter is used to measure the strain, which the wires or rigging is under.
In order to maintain the rigging and the overall well being of the boat it's important to monitor this tension. The amount of strain the rig is under dictates the performance of the vessel.
Stress
Too much stress over time will lead to the hull shape changing, which causes a chain of problems. However too little tension results in abrasive problems, as wires rub against each other.
Or worse the mast will fall down!
Well tensioned rigging means it will look after you
Digital
Having the right tool for the job really helps you in the long term. Fortunately, there are now digital cable tension meters that give you an edge.
No More Conversion Charts!
Not only can you be free from conversion charts, but you can get a more accurate measurement from the pre calculated, hand held device.
Scenario
Imagine your at sea it's been a calm day, but the wind is building. You can now adjust your rig easily whilst being on the water!
That's going to help out with your long term rigging bill! By increasing the strain on the rig you are flattening the shape of the sails. Which will help boat speed too.
Of course rig adjustment on the water takes confidence. But sailing is all about confidence anyway - So you already know that.
Choose Yours Here
Select from the range below. West Marine offer a money back guarantee.
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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Spreaders
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
As part of the rigging, the spreaders help or hinder the balance of tension above the deck.
There aim is to keep the shrouds in place. They are usually made from aluminum or wood.
Here is a quick list of checks:
- Look at the ends to see whether the shrouds are causing stress. They need to be fitted with rubber to stop the abrasive action of the shrouds rubbing
- Are the spreaders bolted to the mast? If they are then this increases stress on the mast. See next point.
- It is better for the strut to be continuous through the mast. Tubing helps by taking some of the abrasive rubbing from the contact made with the mast.
- When you are at the stern looking forward look and see whether they are horizontal. If they are, then your mast is aligned correctly.
Upper and lower
So the spreaders role is important. Your sailboat may have one set or two. If so there are termed lower and upper.
Rigging inspection, including the spreaders
Align the mast!
If your mast is aligned correctly, then your spreaders will be horizontal. If they are not at the horizontal your mast will not be aligned.
Get your rigging equipment and advice here
Helpful rigging equipment supplied by West Marine: Your leading supplier to the boating community
Take advantage! West Marine are offering a 10% discount, when you spend over $100!
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Rigging Inspection
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
Knowing what condition the rig's in is achieved through a rigging inspection. Your hardware and rig will give you better performance and lower the maintenance bills - if they are looked after well. Getting the tension balance right is important. Having the distribution of stress and strain correct in the rigging also helps the hull as well.
Bosun's Chair
Yes a trip in the bosun's chair is calling, at least annually. Look out for the following:
- Patchy discoloring of the cable wires - Uniform discoloring is not a problem
- Patches lean towards rust - Replace the wire
- Check cable tension - with a tension gauge
Back On Deck
When lying on your back, look up the mast for:
- The angle of the mast Check your sailboat manufacturer's manual for the correct angle in the conditions
- Look for dents, ridges and crack that have happened since you last checked
- Check the chainplates where they meet the deck. Your owners guide will tell what angle they should be
Checking the mast is sealed where it meets the deck
Down To The Heel
Go to the heel of the mast - where it meets the floor in the cabin.
- Under the floor boards, see whether the bilges allow water to collect around the base of the mast. Water undermines the mast settings. Check this frequently.
- If your mast is aluminum, you can see a white power in the surface. This is normal. Scratch it away, to check the true state of the aluminum. Does it need to be re anodized?
Get your tools here
Tools you will need for the job are available right here on this page. Supplied by West Marine you are assured of the best customer service on line. So buy today
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
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