Wichard Gyb'easy?

[maccauley123]

I saw recently in a sail magazine an ad for a new device to help safely jibe. I used to do some climbing and it looks a lot like a figure 8 device used for rapelling. Campmor sells them for about 30 bucks.

The Wichard device sells for quite a bit and the only difference I see is it has the option of 3 settings. Why not use the climbing device? They are certainly strong and made for outdoor use.

I really like the idea and just think this may be a much more economical solution.

Thoughts?

[JohnRPollard]

Hi,

Some of us have been discussing the Gyb'Easy for a few days now. I seem to recall that some rock climbers chimed in as well:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/40129-gyb-easy.html

[Freesail99]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Hi,

Some of us have been discussing the Gyb'Easy for a few days now. I seem to recall that some rock climbers chimed in as well:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40129

Your to fast for me today.

[maccauley123]

Missed that, guess I should have done a search first.

I looked through that post and it spends almost no time on whether a figure 8 would do the same thing. Did not seem to answer that question, went into jibe control in general.

[teshannon]

Search under boom brake also and you'll see some additional posts.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by maccauley123

Missed that, guess I should have done a search first.

I looked through that post and it spends almost no time on whether a figure 8 would do the same thing. Did not seem to answer that question, went into jibe control in general.

Yeah, I didn't mean to imply that your question wasn't valid, I simply wanted to make you aware of the other thread. I'm not familiar with the rock-climbers figure 8, so couldn't opine, but I'm curious. Maybe you could show us what it is and tell us how it works?

[teshannon]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Yeah, I didn't mean to imply that your question wasn't valid, I simply wanted to make you aware of the other thread. I'm not familiar with the rock-climbers figure 8, so couldn't opine, but I'm curious. Maybe you could show us what it is and tell us how it works?

John,
I think someone posted a picture of one on the other GybEasy thread if I'm not mistaken.

[maccauley123]

Sorry, John, did not mean anything, just noting it did not really go into it much. I should have looked to see if this had come up before.

The idea behind the figure 8 is the same as the Wichard device. Shaped like the number 8 with the lower circle larger. You pass a doubled over rope through the larger hole then up and over the top circle. It snakes around the device then with friction.

Just like the Wichard device you can clip the top to the boom then each end down the the sides of the boat. Run at least one end back to the cockpit so you can increase or decrease the tension. Decrease the tension when tacking and increase when jibing.

I would post a picture but I am a new user of the forums and don't have enough posts yet.

[sailingdog]

Unfortunately, the figure-eight rappelling carabiner isn't going to provide enough friction on most boats. That's why the Gyb'easy has additional holes in it for the line to pass through, to create more surface contact and more friction. Personally, from what I've seen of the three major boom brakes, I think the Dutchman Boom Brake is the best over all, since it is far more adjustable than the Gyb'easy and far less expensive than the Scott Boomlock.

[soulesailor]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't give the figure 8 a try. The set-up on the side decks and cockpit area is the same as with any boom brake. The only difference is the actual piece of gear the line runs through hanging off the boom. If the figure 8 performs unsatisfactorily just replace it with a proper boom brake piece and possibly with a new line (I think that wichard one suggests a specific line) and you're running again. I have a feeling the figure 8 will be a bit slippery and not slow the boom down as much as a real boom brake. Since I already own a figure 8 this is exactly the plan I intend on following when my boat hits the water in...late May????.....oh my god! So long from now!!!