Jib sheet snag at base of mast

[jbousquin]

Hi everyone,

So, on my , when coming about, my port jib sheet routinely snags on the exposed end of the bolt at the base of the mast. It's a PITA, because I have to go up on the cabin top when single handing to get the sheet off the mast to allow the jib to come to the other side of the boat.

I don't have a pic handy, but it's the bolt that enters the mast on the starboard side and passes completely through it, horizontal to the cabin top, to attach the mast to the swiveling base at the mast step. The exposed end of the bolt itself protrudes about an inch beyond the nut that locks it through the mast.

Has anyone else experienced this/come up with a solution? I'm thinking a button head or cap might do the trick, but I'm not sure. Also considering a shorter bolt/cutting down the one that's there. Of course, I'd have to unstep the mast to put a shorter bolt through. I know folks have had similar issues with the main halyard snagging on the end of bolts that are exposed at the hounds, wonder what the solution is.

Thanks for the help,

Joe

[Tomfoolery]

Find yourself a 3/8"-16 coupling nut in SS, and a pair of 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" long stainless button head capscrews, and put the two capscrews in from the outside with the coupling nut in the middle. Use locktite to keep them together without loosening, if you like. You now have a nice, rounded button head on each side, and nothing else.

For the hinge, get a 3/8" quick pin with a ringding on each end from BWY. Or just use the existing bolt. Since that's behind the mast, it's probably not the problem bolt.

Item 98164A306 at mcmaster for the button heads, and 90104A010 for the coupling nut. Just make sure the coupling nut is centered. You can also get a longer one in 18-8 SS for insurance.

[THE CUSCUS]

I have the same problem at times also, and it seems to be when the sheet is released too early into the tack and the sheet kinda lazilly works its way across the deck. By releasing the sheet further into the tack (after the bow crosses the wind) the wind pushes the sail across faster and the sheet doesn't seem to get caught (at least not on that bolt). I also cut the extra length off the bolt, so its flush with the nut.

[jbousquin]

Man, service with a smile! Thanks tkanzler and Cuscus... Another example of ask, and you shall receive on the Mac board!

Cuscus, how did you cut the bolt?

[Tomfoolery]

It would be tricky to get that nut in there, as you would have to tilt the base enough to get access to the end of the bolt inside the mast, so make sure you can tilt it enough with the existing bolt only halfway into the mast to be sure, before spending money on parts. But those holes are kinda sloppy, and don't need to be any tighter anyway, as the bolts only keep the mast from sliding fore and aft once it's in place.

[Matt19020]

Joe I have never had this problem...
Just curious is it the jib line snagging the bolt?
If so ...Do you use 2 separate lines attached to the jib (one for port tack and one for starboard) tied to the clew? If so is it the knot that is getting caught?
My set up is one continuos line attached to clew and then run down port and starboard there is no knot at clew..... Matt

[jbousquin]

Hi Matt,

My jib sheet is set up the same as yours, it's not snagging on any knots, it just wraps around the end of the bolt, and when the sail inflates, is held there by pressure. A pain, for sure.

[NiceAft]

I have had this happen from time to time with my genoa sheets. If when tacking, you wait until the wind grabs the sail before pulling in the sheet, you will have less times of this PITA problem happening, but it's not a guarantee. It's annoying, but not deadly I just don't think it's worth the time and energy of a mod.

As a I saw once on a baby's bib, "Spit Happens"

Ray