I'm looking for sizing information about an accidental jibe preventer vs. a Boom Brake.
I live in an area where there are constant severe wind shifts and I have witnessed an accidental jibe and the results of one that broke the mast in half. I do not want to have my mast broken or worse yet, someone's head, so I am considering either a block and tackle type jibe preventer or a Boom brake. I like the idea of the block and tackle just so I could have some way to hoist a man overboard back on deck, but a Boom brake looks like it'd be a nice idea because i wouldn't have to go forward after each (intentional) jibe to reset it. I'm looking for any input, actual experience and/or opinions that would help me decide which way to go. Also, I have no idea how to size a preventer made of block and tackle. I already have a solid boom vang, so I don't necessarily need the same strength that the vang would require, although the setup would work fine as a preventer. Any comments will be appreciated.
1988 Catalina 36 Hull #862
"Heart of Gold"
I use a shockle with a line on it for the preventer (you can get them at West Marine). This worked really well all through Mexico and saved me a couple times. You'll have to move the line from side to side as you jibe but that's not a big deal.
Nancy
Cat's Meow #2046
San Francisco
2002 MK II
I have never used a boom brake, but the obvious advantage (assuming they always work as expected) is that it is there at all times and requires no action on your part.
It has been a rare occurrence that I have done this, but on each side of the boat I ran a 1/2 nylon line forward from the stern cleat to the bow cleat, through the inside "hole" of the cleat, and made it fast to the boom end bail. Once on a jibe, you tension that side while letting slack the other. When you jibe again, you slack one and tension the other.
That does not require you to leave the cockpit.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I just bought a snatch block to make up a better preventor than what I had previously rigged up. I was planning running a line from the boom bail to the block attached to the bow cleat and back to the cockpit. That way I can ease or tighten it easily from the cockpit. Does that sound reasonably.
Richard
1994 C36 Tall Rig M1.5
Waukegan Harbor
Lake Michigan
Using a block is a good idea, but I just let the line run around the polished curve of the cleat since it is not intended to run fast or under load.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Good sailing Father’s Day to all.
Please share pictures or diagrams of your accidental jibe protector.
Thanks.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina
Hey, found excellent you tube video on rigging accidental jibe protector:
https://youtu.be/qAhUWCa-KoQ
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina