[C320-list] Frustrated with the Dutchman system

[Chris Burti]

Let me share my resolution.

I determined that there is a KISS method of Dutchman adjustment.
 
The holes in the sail are parallel ergo the monofilament must be parallel and aligned with the holes.
 
In order to support the sail on the boom both monofilaments must be taut...Floppy lines = floppy sail.

Once adjusted to accomodate these principles the thing works like a charm.

Once I figured out these principles, ajdustment became quick and easy and only necessitated when I remove the Main.

I also had slots put in the cover...this eliminates any need to adjust anything in the normal course of things other than the topping lift.

Oh...I try to ignore the twists at the block...sailing should be fun.

 
Chris Burti
"Commitment"
Catalina 320, #867, 
Farmville, NC 


----- Original Message ----
From: K L <sfca33 at hotmail.com>
To: c320-list at catalina320.org
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 3:48:10 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Frustrated with the Dutchman system


Bill:

You have a good point but the thing that separates the Dutchman from an 
engine alignment is that the Dutchman is designed to save time. It is 
optional, not required. My point is that a system designed to save time must 
do so otherwise it is flawed. So far it has not saved me time but I am 
willing to invest more effort to try to get it right with the hope that it 
will save me time in the long run.

Ken


>From: Bill Culbertson <billculb_a2 at yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>Subject: Re: [C320-list] Frustrated with the Dutchman system
>Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:32:24 -0800 (PST)
>
>FWIW, my view is that just because a system takes a long time to learn to 
>use correctly doesn't mean to me that it is an inferior system.  Or just 
>because a system takes a significant effort to adjust correctly doesn't 
>mean it is flawed.  Take engine alignment for example.  Takes a long time 
>to get it right.  Is something wrong because of that, no.
>
>All systems have trade offs.  If my choice were between something which 
>took a good long while to get initially set up or to learn but worked like 
>a champ each and every time I needed after I'd spent that effort, I'd pick 
>that system over one which was easy to set up and had problems each time I 
>used it. But others could easily see the same trade offs and make the 
>different choice.  That's fine with me - their choice.  I kept my 
>traditional packing gland and use GFO packing with great success.  Others 
>have said, "forget that nonsense" and switched to the PSI dripless shaft 
>seal.  Both seem like fine approaches to me.
>
>  -bill culbertson
>  Harmony #859
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: K L <sfca33 at hotmail.com>
>To: c320-list at catalina320.com
>Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:17:53 PM
>Subject: Re: [C320-list] Frustrated with the Dutchman system
>
>
>It has been interesting to read the varied opinions on the Dutchman. People
>seem to love it or hate it.
>
>Darrell said that a switch to a swivel block made it worse (or at least not
>better) while Warren  reports that the swivel block solved the problem. I’m
>going to swap the block I have for a swivel block and give that a try.
>
>Lots of people said that they scrapped the system or are about to while 
>Jeff
>said that after a year he figured out how to use it efficiently. Someone
>else suggested a video.
>
>What is clear to me is that a hell of a lot of man hours have been spent in
>trying to get the system to work the way it should. If a system takes a 
>year
>to figure out and/or requires special training with a video, then I wonder
>if it's a good system. It seems to me that it should be easier.
>
>One can’t help but wonder if all those man hours spend trying to get the
>Dutchman to work is more or fewer than the hours that would have been spent
>flaking the sail with lazy jacks.
>
>I have had both systems. For me, the total time working with the sail seems
>to be about the same. But the difference is that with the Dutchman the time
>is spent in frustration.
>
>Ken Danko
>#802, Grace
>
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