[C320-list] Spinnaker Turning Block locations

[Gary Doodlesack]

I have C320 No. 410 vintage 1997.  I fly an asymmetric chute rarely but when
I do It's either single-handed or with only two on-board.  Still fun and I
primarily fly the thing because it makes me feel good.

I've made a bridle for a snatch block by threading low-stretch cord around
the bases of the stern cleats and having the cord finish in a short loop up
above the cleat.  The loop is usually four thicknesses of cord and probably
has a total breaking strength of over 1200 lbs as configured.  I use Harken
ball-bearing snatch blocks but any good snatch blocks would work.  The
snatch blocks are just clipped into the loops on the cleats when needed and
a piece of shock cord is used from the top of the snatch blocks up to the
lifelines.  The shock cord keeps the snatch blocks aligned and keeps them
from banging on deck when not in use.

By wrapping the cord around both bases of the cleats and creating a forward
angled loop (aligned with the direction of future stress) I feel that the
loads are being well distributed over one of the stronger parts of the boat.

When the it's time to leave the boat I just unclip the snatch blocks and put
them safely away.  

The alignment from the stern cleats to the spinnaker guy seems to be near
perfect for all points of sail I'd use my asymmetric on.  And when you fly
nearly 1000 sq ft shorthanded you really don't want any fouling or excessive
chafing, etc.

It's a cheap solution I'll admit but I'm not ashamed of it and I never
stubbed a toe on a snatch block or a pad eye.  I do think it's an obvious
better choice over the base of the stern rail.  The cleats are stronger and
further outboard.

Best of luck,

Gary Doodlesack
Lady Diane C320 410
Falmouth Harbor, MA

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Robert E. Sloat
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 5:41 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] spinnaker

The Catalina deck plan in my owner's manual for hull 894 (2002) shows 
spinnaker pad eyes lateral to the genoa winches just inside the rail.  I 
installed Winchard folding pad eyes there for my asymmetric which is a 
radial cut UK flasher and that seems like a good compromise point.  A few of

the new 320's at my dealer with the factory spinnaker option have pad eyes 
there.

After 3 years sailing on the spinnaker, this seems OK, but I wish the 320 
had a track at the rail or a toe rail for turning blocks to tweak the 
location of the spinnaker sheet turning blocks for various points of 
running.  Additional folding pad eyes would solve the problem, but don't 
want to drill more holes or clutter the deck.

Bob Sloat
Savannah
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Denny Browne" <dennybrowne at verizon.net>
To: "'C320-List'" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 12:24 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] spinnaker


>I hang one stern block from the horn cleat that the furling line cleats to,
> but the load on the block isn't perfect. On the starboard side, I attached
> one of those little straps to the stanchion base. This appears to be
> inadequate for the load, but a rigger I had out recently told me it was
> fine. I'm planning to put one on the other side as well, rather than 
> adding
> folding padeyes, which are a better but much more expensive option. I use
> small Garhauer blocks which work fine.
>
> Denny Browne
> A Cappella #935
> Redondo Beach, CA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of harold brown
> Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2007 5:15 PM
> To: c320-list at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] spinnaker
>
> Being very new at this I was wondering what additional
> hardware was necessary to control the sheets of an
> assymetrical and what is the ideal placement of the
> extra rigging. I would guess that blocks aft would be
> necessary but wonder where they would best be attached
> and how. Does it depent on the size and shape of the
> sail for (example a code 1 versus a larger variety).
> Jim and Babs Brown  "Desafinado"
>
>
>
>
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