[C320-list] Dutchman system

[Scott Thompson]

Thanks to all who replied.  A bit of clarification:

Dutchman recommends the "A" system for any boat that has a halyard style 
topping lift.  Catalina installs the B system instead.  I'm switching to 
the A system (i.e. the one with a single topping lift line instead of an 
adjustable continuous loop topping lift).

I haven't heard anyone say they are using a 3 line system on a 320. 
That's really what I was asking about.  My sailmaker says that the 320 
is in the overlap between the recommended ranges for 2 vs 3 nylon lines 
per specs from Dutchman.  (These specs do not seem to be available on 
their website except through a password protected section available only 
to sailmakers.)

My sailmaker says that in order to avoid interference with spreader 
tips, both lines of a two line system have to be placed fairly far aft, 
leaving less control over the top of the sail as it descends.  He says 
that with a 3 line system the third line can be placed fairly far 
forward to solve this problem.  There is apparently a zone corresponding 
to where the sail contacts the spreader tips where you do not want to 
have any control lines, but the third line can go forward of this.  So 
he's recommending the 3 line system.

I'm inclined to stick with two lines.  It's true that the top of the 
sail does not self-flake with this system and that the forward part of 
the folds sometimes needs a bit of cleaning up before the sail cover 
goes on.  But these are minor nuisances at most.

By the way, I've learned that if you replace your main and purchase a 
new Dutchman system you can get a credit from Dutchman against their 
royalty fee (charged by the sailmaker) simply by having the sailmaker 
return the old Dutchman pockets.

Jon Vez wrote:
> Scott,
> 
> I would call Dutchman and ask them if their spec is for 3 lines--I believe
> for the 320's main, two is correct. I think 3 is overkill. I can't speak for
> the non-continuous version as I think that is an issue of preference. I have
> to say, once you get a feel for the correct way to use the Dutchman I think
> it's the best system out there (short of a furling boom system)--
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Jon Vez
> Solstice #582
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Scott Thompson
> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 10:58 PM
> To: c320-list at catalina320.org
> Subject: [C320-list] Dutchman system
> 
> Replacing my main this year and the sailmaker is suggesting that I 
> switch from the two nylon line system with adjustable "continuous loop" 
> topping lift to a single line topping lift with three nylon lines.  Is 
> anyone out there using a 3 nylon line system?  Sailmaker says the 3 line 
> system is per specs from Dutchman.  This will be a full batten main.
> 
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, 653
>