Prindle 18 Jib rigging assistance

HULLFLYER wrote: The purpose of the 3/16 x 5 foot jib pigtail is so that you can sheet your jib in quicker while tacking. Less line to pull in. The same reason some sailors use a pigtail from the boom to the upper mainsheet block, if you have a 8 to 1 system and you can use an 1 foot pigtail, it is 8 less feet of sheet that you have to pull in to get to the same place, and also have 8 less feet of mainsheet to contend with on the boat.

Here's why I disagree with this, especially for the jibsheet. I've always taught my crew to "sail through the tack". Never once let the jib luff. The best way to do this is while going across the trampoline (ON YOUR FEET) simply hold on to the lazy jibsheet and you counter the tacking jib in motion. Just by going across, you maintain a constant sail on the jib and the sheet pulls in. My jib sheet is exactly long enough to do this. If I had a pigtail, it changes the sheet length and you're left fumbling with the sheet after crossing the tramp.

I normally tack from the trapped out position, it sounds like you are tacking while sitting on the boat.

yurdle wrote: Simpler system for the jib sheet and blocks or barberhauler?

Just for the jib sheet. It's only recreational sailing--I believe the barberhauler is a mini-adjustment

HULLFLYER wrote: What are you missing? I have the ratchet jib blocks, s hooks, jib halyard, clew blocks as well. That is everything you will need except the jib.

Just the jib halyard ring, jib blocks, s-hook, and jib halyard are needed. Ill go with the simple setup as described in the manual. Not sure about the clew blocks--will I need those?

I only have the jib sheet including the 3 holes when a mouse ate thru it, so I could also use some Dacron patches.

edited by: catdan, Jul 03, 2009 - 06:10 AM

Yes you will need the clew blocks, without them it will not work. Are you referring to the sail when you said that a mouse ate through it. When a sailor refers to "sheets" they are referring to the lines that are used to adjust the sail settings.

HULLFLYER wrote: Yes you will need the clew blocks, without them it will not work. Are you referring to the sail when you said that a mouse ate through it. When a sailor refers to "sheets" they are referring to the lines that are used to adjust the sail settings.

Sorry, typo. Yes, the mouse ate thru the sail.

I don't think you actually can simplify the P18 Jib Blocks/Sheet system in any way other than removing the barberhauler. I'd say that you really won't gain anything by removing it either, but since it is so unfriendly to use you probably won't lose anything by removing it.

Aside from the barberhauler, the P18 Jib system is as simple as it gets. You can move the line between the jib blocks to different holes in the tramp before you go out as a jib traveler system (just untie and retie w/ a truckers hitch) to spill some wind if necessary...other than that its like the nacra 5.2 system sans traveler - simple as it gets.

I tried using no pigtail on the jib clew, as well as two different lengths. (I currently use a short pigtail.) If its too long its horrible, but once you shorten it to a certain point it doesn't have any effect to go shorter. Until you get used to it, though, you may find it to have fairly significant effects on sailing the boat..

I'd never heard of using a pigtail on the upper main block until this thread. That's a pretty intriguing idea. I don't see how it could shorten the amount of mainsheet that's free on the tramp, but that would Definitely shorten the overall amount of sheet needed....might even let me lose the traveler sheet.

Andrew: I actually just set up a barberhauler (inside the crossbar) on my n5.2. I also abandoned the block/becket system and just bought 2 SS 1.5" rings. It seemed far cheaper, simpler, and more effective for a bit, but I was noticing yesterday that it seemed like when I have tension in the barberhauler and I try to sheet the jib ALL the way in that there is a ton of friction and resistance from the two lines rubbing each other. Do you notice this? I wonder if something shaped more like a 'V' that would keep the lines separate would work better.

This has been an extremely helpful thread for me, thanks everyone!

I must echo the thanks of Kenny. You all have been VERY helpful. I was able to get my boat out over the weekend and get everything rigged and functional. It was a very eventful few days which I intend to chronicle in another thread shortly.

Thanks again.

Hi guys, first time on forum, this has been a great topic, does anyone have a pict they would be willing to email me with this jib setup?
Thanks!!!

Hi -

I'm resurrecting this thread with my first post. I have a line on a very reasonably priced P-18, but I have no Prindle experience. The seller mentions a sister clip being missing and I assume half the jib halyard.

Question 1: Is a sister clip the same as a brummel hook?

Question 2: I have an old Hobie 18 mostly parts boat. Can I use the roller furling from that on the Prindle?

Thanks in advance for your help!

George

Yes and yes