Rigging Asym Spinnaker With Spinnaker Crane

mr_lucky · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

My Catalina masthead rigged boat has two intenal Genoa halyards, but no spinnaker halyard. When I got my asym. spinnaker, the sailmaker recommended that I install a spinnaker crane and fly the spin with that instead of on one of the genny halyards.

As I understand it, after installing the new crane, I would attach a block to the crane, then attach the spinnaker head to a new spinnaker halyard running through the block, and then down the outside forward side of the mast and through a turning block to a cluch in the cockpit. Am I on the right track here?

I know some boats have internal spinnaker halyards, but I don't see how I could run the halyard from the crane internally back down the mast, and I don't see why I'd rally want to. Any help appreciated.

Lucky

djodenda · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

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sailingfool · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

To run internally you need to install an entrance and exit plate ( see Isomat Halyard exit plates) in the mast, the first a foot or so below the mast head, the second 8 feet or so above the deck. Several years ago I installed a spinnaker crane and chose to run the halyard externally even though the mast has the spinnaker plates already in place. I consider the ability to jump the halyard worth living with some windage, a serious racer would run the halyard internally. Just remember to tie the halyard back from the mast when not being used, as all halyard/control lines should be ...slapping halyards are a sure sign of a clueless sailor.

CharlieCobra · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

SF, it gets tough to quiet down all the halyards when ya have seven of them.

Plumper · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

Running the spin halyard externally is a good thing. Of all the halyards on your boat, the one you may have to let run out is the spin halyard. If you have to thread it down through the mast after you wipe out and blow the halyard you will regret running it internally. It sounds like you have the right setup.