[C320-list] Single line Dutchman?

[drshoffner at aol.com]

I recently replaced my OEM sails on #171 with a new set of sails from Mack Sails in Ft. Lauderdale.  Rather with going with another Dutchman flaking system I elected to go with their Mack Pack for almost the same price.  I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs a new main cover since this is s combination mainsail cover and lazy jack system which makes putting the main to bed an absolute dream!  For details see their website www.macksails.com. 
 
In a mater of a couple of minutes you can drop your main into it's cover (aka Mack Pack), tighten the lazy jack and zip her up.  No more fiddling with sail ties, putting on the cover, etc.  Workmanship was excellent, and Collen Mack was extremely helpful throughout the process.  Sails arrived as promised and installation was pretty straight forward.  The only time consuming part was installing 2 small cheek blocks 25' up the mast for the lazy jacks which took me about 2 hours.  Their instructions were easy to follow.  I don't miss my Dutchman System a bit.
 
I've read with interest over the years the benefit of a new set of sail but was amazed at the difference!  I point higher and perform better at all points of sail. 
 
Mike
 
-----Original Message-----
From: jonvez at comcast.net
To: C320-List <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Wed, 14 Jun 2006 11:45:03 +0000
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Single line Dutchman?


Jeff,

The only problem I see is the mainsail cover when storing as someone else 
pointed out. I've also replaced my continuous loop line and it was a very 
straightforward job. 
It sounds like you're looking for simplicity, not avoiding changing the line 
though.....If you do go this route, I would be interested to see if you are 
happier with it....

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jeffrey Hare" <catalina at thehares.com> 

> Hi All, 
> 
> 
> 
> My dutchman line (the continuous loop line itself) has finally sprouted 
> so many puckers of the core out through the cover that the blocks snag and 
> don't run up/down very easily. 
> 
> 
> 
> I've seen the single line version that essentially has a cable with fixed 
> blocks holding the mono-filament line. No clothsline loop, no jam cleat, no 
> turning-blocks, just a line with the dutchman blocks fixed in position that 
> gets attached to the topping lift and run up to the top of the mast. 
> 
> 
> 
> Rather than have a new closeline loop made, I'm considering just taking a 
> scrap of my old halyard, measuring off the positions of the blocks and 
> knotting the blocks in place. 
> 
> 
> 
> Seems like then, all I'd have to do is ease the topping lift a little when 
> raising the sail, and tighten it up prior to dropping the sail. 
> 
> 
> 
> With the clothesline loop, I also have to do ease/tighten the topping lift 
> just a little, as well as running the dutchman blocks up/down. 
> 
> 
> 
> Sounds to me like I save one step when dropping the main. 
> 
> 
> 
> Has anyone else converted the continuous loop dutchman to a single? (I've 
> sailed with the single on a C380 and it seemed easier). 
> 
> 
> 
> -JeffH 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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