How long should the safety line be on a Nonsuch 30U?
I am making one for a friend of mine who does not have one.
Many thanks
Randy Gadikian
Phoenix Rising
NS26C #37
Buffalo, NY
Randy,
I think this may be a question for Mike Quill, using the INA’s free consult service. However, even with what he might say, my attitude is trust but verify.
Not at all a criticism of Mike. It’s that there’s just enough variation between boats that there’re no guarantees.
It’s very possible that you’ve already thought of everything I’m about to say, and are just asking because the boat’s out of the water or measuring is really inconvenient. If so, my apologies. However, …
I’m currently blushing because I made up a choker line for a friend’s N36 based on the spec’s in the N36 manual and we discovered out on the water that his boat is just a bit different. So, from now on, I’m going to measure for myself.
Just to be clear, I’m assuming that your friend’s boat has a fixed-length topping line and an adjustable multiple-part tackle connected to it. And the safety line you’re talking about is to go from the end of the fixed line to the end of the boom, in case the tackle slips or breaks. Right?
Keep in mind that, when sailing, the sail rather than any rigging needs to be carrying the weight of the boom. That’s how having a wishbone boom as a substitute for a vang is supposed to work. So, the Goldilocks rule for the safety line is that it needs to be long enough not to interfere with the sail shape, but not so long that the boom could drop and hit someone.
So what I’d do, if at all possible, is raise your friend’s sail so that it’s supporting the weight of the boom with the adjustable tackle slightly slack. Then, measure from the terminating eye of the fixed topping line to the end of the boom where you’ll be attaching the safety line. After that, add a few inches get into the Goldilocks zone, and there you are.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
If it has the factory set up the 30 Ultra manual says 4’5”.
Mark Powers
I support everything that Bob says but would add that when the sail is up you need to fully harden the choker before taking the measurement. If your friends boat has a Bimini you want the safety short enough so that it stops the boom before it hits the Bimini.
Mark Powers
I assume we’re talking about the line that is part of the topping lift and keeps the wishbone from dropping down?? If so, the info is in the owner’s manual or available on the INA website where
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA