Internal or external boom lines led aft

[karluk]

I have an Isomat boom that has sheaves to run three lines aft to the cockpit. One is the outhaul and the other two could be for a topping lift and an aft reef. All the lines go forward through the boom to a set of sheaves that allows the lines to either exit under the gooseneck and run down to the mast or aft, or the lines could go back through the boom to exit plates near the cockpit. Since I have the boom apart and could cut in the holes for the exit plates easily now, I am looking for advice on whether this is a good idea, or should I just install a couple of faileads along the outside of the boom and run the lines externally? Thanks for you replies.

[puddinlegs]

how bigs the boat?

[karluk]

It is a 26-foot, fractional rig.

[Faster]

Keep in mind that anytime you're on an off wind leg any lines on the boom, or exiting the boom aft will not be very handy to reach.... I'd run them back along deck.

[sailingfool]

Leave the outhaul on the boom, run two reefing lines back to the cockpit. You dont need the topping lift back to the cockpit, you can termiante that on the boom, external if necessary. Dont add any cleats or blocks to the sides of the boom unless absolutely necessary as they can do real damage to a human head that the boom section itself would not do.

[heyross]

I agree with Faster. I have ALL leads and sheets coming back to the cockpit and as close together as possible. I don't know what your purchase is on your outhaul but I ran 2 sets of blocks internally in the boom giving me 6:1. It has been there 10 years and never given any trouble.

Should you ever be shorthanded in rough weather (2 crew so seasick they couldn't move) as I have been, it was a God send having all the controls together in the cockpit.

Fair winds!
Ross