Spinnaker Tack Block Location

CGMojo · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I'm fitting a cruising spinaker to a 2007 Jeanneau 36i and need some advice on placement of the tack downhaul block. I can mount it on the bow pulpit just forward of the furled jib (which would give a good lead) or shackle it to an existing hole in the anchor roller (which would probably by stronger). The bow pulpit is substantial and bolted to the deck in four places. Is this strong enough, or should I go with the bow roller?

Giulietta · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I assume you'r looking for the tack of an Assy, right??

DON't attach to the pullpit...

Use a dedicated pad eye for it, preferably...it's the best solution, really.

As far as the anchor roller, I have seen a guy that had his attached to the anchor roller, and it bent the roller upwards...damaging it...but it depends on the roller, there's good and bad...how strong is yours?

Use a dedicated location..its best.

JohnRPollard · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Definitely don't attach to the pulpit -- not strong enough. Ours is bolted/attached at 6 points and I wouldn't use it.

Is there a second eye on the stemhead fitting, forward of the attachment point for the headstay? Otherwise, a dedicated padeye as Giulietta suggests would be best.

Valiente · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Dedicated padeye, unless you have a ridiculously oversized bowsprit with a nice bobstay to keep it in place.

The forces on an asymmetrical sail can be huge, and I would prefer that the tack line snap than a piece of the boat.

ArgleBargle · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

a little off of your topic, but was looking at the 36i - have you had any problems with yours?

Plumper · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Neither the pulpit or the anchor roller are designed to take loads up. That would concern me. I would figure out a way of attaching it to the headstay chainplate as far forward as possible or put in a dedicated fitting. I run my tack pennant through a block mounted on the chainplate (stemhead fitting) ahead of the headstay and back to a mooring cleat.

labatt · #7 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Would you attach it to this anchor roller?

Giulietta · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

I would...that is a morphed Stay/roller...good heavy built design

labatt · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

That's what I was thinking... I freaked a little after reading this thread since I always attach my snatch block to the roller, but then I remembered that my roller has the forestay attached, so I'm fairly certain it will be able to handle fairly significant loads. I'm guessing the Jeanneau doesn't have a similar setup...

Wayne25 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008

Have you contacted the factory for their input? Let us know what they say.