Foresail tuning fairlead track position for an X

[leefrankpierce]

I have always thought the forseail fairlead track was too inboard next to the track.
From a sail-shape for being close hauled, what do you guys think about adding wider track position?
NOTE: Lifelines/poles already removed so no interference.

[Be Free]

I'm not sure what the "foresail fairlead track" is. Pictures?

[leefrankpierce]

The tracks next to the sliding hatch that hold the fairleads for the sheets controlling the foresail.
Sheets go from the foresail to the fairlead and then normally to the winch.
Are they called Jib tracks ?

[Be Free]

I think what you are calling fairleads are jib cars.


This is a fairlead.


This is a jib car.

Assuming we are talking about the same parts now, the position of the tracks on the cabin top are almost ideal for a jib. I say "almost ideal" because I'm considering adding a barberhauler to my jib sheets to see if I can improve the pointing ability a bit without sacrificing too much of what we facetiously call "speed" on my "X".

I don't think moving the jib cars outboard will improve sail shape or performance but it will certainly hurt your ability to point.

The cabin top tracks are too far inboard for a genoa. If you have a genoa you will need the same type tracks on the cockpit coaming. I'd tell you that the sheets need to be run outside the lifelines but you said you've already removed them, so that point is moot.

[leefrankpierce]

Ok, jib cars.
Seems if you are wanting to use a barberhauler, then you might have the same thoughts I have.
Adding an outboard track seems like it would move it about 6 inches, so not a whole bunch.
Running factory jib no genoa.
To me, it seems to sheet too close to the mast for the boats ability to point.

[Stickinthemud57]

Specifying the point of tension for the jib sheet(s) is typically achieved using a fairlead or a block on a jib car. For some the terms are interchangeable.

Because the ideal point of tension changes depending on your point of sail, jib cars provide the opportunity to adjust this point, but it's not a perfect set and forget proposition. Ideal position will vary depending on whether you are sailing a close reach, a broad reach, or somewhere in between.

Sails differ even among the same type and brand, so determining the right place to set your cars requires experimentation.

As for moving the rails further outboard, that's a yourboatyourrules kind of thing. I wouldn't. It's easy enough to slack the jib sheets. Locating them further outboard will prevent you from sailing as close to the wind as you might want to at other times. Granted, if you don't race, running close hauled borders on the masochistic. Again YBYR. Set the rails wherever it makes you most happy.

[Be Free]

Ok, jib cars.
Seems if you are wanting to use a barberhauler, then you might have the same thoughts I have.
Adding an outboard track seems like it would move it about 6 inches, so not a whole bunch.
Running factory jib no genoa.
To me, it seems to sheet too close to the mast for the boats ability to point.

I plan to use the barbarhauler to move the sheets inboard to improve pointing (with a likely decrease in speed). Between the jib cars and the jib sheets I can move as far outboard as I like.

[Be Free]

Specifying the point of tension for the jib sheet(s) is typically achieved using a fairlead or a block on a jib car. For some the terms are interchangeable.
...

I agree that both can be used with a jib sheet. That is why I wanted to clarify how his boat was set up. The stock X has jib cars on tracks on either side of the cabin top. He was mentioning a non-standard fairlead on a track. It's certainly possible that a PO may have made modifications that matched his description. I've never seen a fairlead on a track with a jib sheet through it but I suppose it's possible.

I would disagree that the term fairlead and block are interchangeable. The line goes through a fairlead and around a block. The only similarities are that all blocks and most fairleads are round and both control the direction a line travels.

[Stickinthemud57]

Specifying the point of tension for the jib sheet(s) is typically achieved using a fairlead or a block on a jib car. For some the terms are interchangeable.
...

I agree that both can be used with a jib sheet. That is why I wanted to clarify how his boat was set up. The stock X has jib cars on tracks on either side of the cabin top. He was mentioning a non-standard fairlead on a track. It's certainly possible that a PO may have made modifications that matched his description. I've never seen a fairlead on a track with a jib sheet through it but I suppose it's possible.

I would disagree that the term fairlead and block are interchangeable. The line goes through a fairlead and around a block. The only similarities are that all blocks and most fairleads are round and both control the direction a line travels.

Good points, all true.

I agree with you regarding the distinction between fairlead and block. My coach (highly experienced older gentleman) would use the term fairlead when referring to my blocks, which confused me. Thus my qualifier "for some".

[leefrankpierce]

Good discussion clarifying some items.
I have stock cars on stock tracks.
Just seems to me sheeted tight is too much and easing gives poor sail shape so was considering an additional outside track.

[Stickinthemud57]

Wisecracks about engineers that appear elsewhere at this forum notwithstanding, the potential for harm (other than to you wallet) seems small. Go for it and let us know how it works out.

[Be Free]

Give it a shot and see what happens. I don't think you can hurt anything trying.