Keel Mounting of Mainsheet Block

[darrenwhitten8]

The rules require the mainsheet exit to be mounted on the keel just aft of the centreboard case.
This can result in the mainsheet chaffing on the toe strap .
There is nothing in the rules defining how this block should be mounted or the type of block to be used.
The practice for many years has been to mount the exit block on length of tubing or a cord/wire strop.
Recently some owners have been bracing the tube using shock cord or stainless steel rod attached to the thwart.
I have taken the view that providing the vertical component of the force developed by the exit block is transferred to the keel this system complies with rules and the accepted practice within the class for many years.

Phillip Johnson
National Measurer

[sabre_wa]

Thanks Phil…that clears up a lot of confusion. A question though…on the YMS hull the keel post is quite narrow and can’t accommodate the standard Ronstan ball swivel base to which the length of ss tubing and mainsheet ratchet block is traditionally attached. Is there anything in the rules to prevent attaching slightly wider timber block underneath (as one might do with a wedge beneath a cam cleat) in order to mount the swivel base on the keel? Otherwise it would be a matter of having a non standard base machined up somehow, or using dyneema and struts which seems rather cumbersome.

Cheers,

Andy Mac
1771

[Scott Olsen]

Andy

With ‘factory fit-out’ boats, Brett is just using a standard saddle – mounted with two thick screws. It works a treat.

1771 heh ?

Cheers

[Author]

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