I just now unrigged the mainsheet and replaced it with a 4:1 mainsheet and cam cleat that I had as a preventer for a proof-of-concept. The preventer has been on the boat for so long I forgot where it came from, but looking at the mainsheet systems online and at Bacons it became obvious this IS a mainsheet so I decided to try it out. So far it has only got a light air test, I am loving the lack of friction compared to the stock system that goes up to the mast and back to a winch. My question is this; will 4:1 be enough? Bacon's has a 6:1 mainsheet for a reasonable price, I can buy that and send the 4:1 back to preventer duty easily enough.
While I was at it I noticed the vang, one of those Quick-Vangs with a spring, had the line fed through a turning block far enough from the mast that it had a significant change in tension as the boom swung. I have no idea how I haven't stared at this for decades and not noticed, the yard installed it ages ago and I just never realized they did it wrong. Now the line feeds to a turning block almost at the pivot point, changes in tension will be almost nonexistant. Joe Della Barba Coquina C&C 35 MK I Kent Island MD USA
