Hi Gary, Another compelling option to the traveller, looks like there are some pros and cons to each. I will dig deeper into this possibility.. Thanks, On Thu, Oct 13, 2022 at 7:04 PM Gary H.Oberbeck <fairandsquare1@gmail.com> wrote:
I no longer sail a M-17 as I downsized to a 15, but I had a mainsheet system that solved all the concerns I had for an ‘open and clear’ cockpit space AND allowed the boom to come above centerline when I required it. Looks too good to be true, but it works. Back in my dinghy racing days, it became fashionable to use a ‘split tail mainsheet. Snipes,C-15’s and other classes have used the split tail for decades. Using the system you are able to move the boom to weather of the centerline as far as a cockpit seat top mounted track without the hardware intruding into that valuable cockpit space. You have less deck penetrations to leak. You will have more money for new sails. You will not have: a track running across your cockpit, banged shins, crew sitting on your traveler, additional control lines, to remember to drop or pull the traveler to the new tack. If you like hardware- ignore the split tail sheet system- if you like simple systems that work, search out ‘split tail mainsheet’ systems. I have tried with limited success to explain the machinations involved, best shown in practice (I have never been a geometry teacher). I no longer own the boat so I cannot make a video. Would you like one less control to attend to, but still have the benefit of a mainsheet traveler? Check it out.
PS- I have not yet tried this setup on a M-15, but it should work. Mainsheet tension is not a function of the sheet in order to work, note most dinghies do not have a backstay to maintain headstay tension. Photos of a ‘clear cockpit’ and a split tail mainsheet on the above mentioned M-17. Have fUn, check out ‘split tail mainsheet’, go sailing! GO
On Thu, Oct 13, 2022 at 3:48 PM Charles Adams via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
It is a top rated AP with a reasonable price and why I bought it. Check it on Amazon. Westmarine also offers it. Check YouTube also. I haven’t used it enough to give a good report but will say it is very simple to use.
Charlie
Sent from my iPad
On Oct 13, 2022, at 3:16 PM, Jason Leckie <leckie.jas@gmail.com> wrote:
Autopilot is definitely a nice addition, maybe something I will add in the future. Has your Autopilot been reliable?
Thanks Charlie
On Thu, Oct 13, 2022 at 6:49 AM Charles Adams via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
Not the best picture but I think it will show you what you are looking for. It was there when I bought M17. It was a regatta boat sailed with a crew. I only single hand and found the tiller to long so cut 12” off it. I use a tiller extension with it. As far as I am concerned to single hand an extension is a must.
Some may wonder about the mount. It is for a 2000 AP. Another reason for a shorter tiller.
Hope picture helps.
Charlie Sent from my iPad
On Oct 12, 2022, at 5:28 PM, Jason Leckie <leckie.jas@gmail.com> wrote:
Thank you Sean!
I saw old screw holes almost at my companionway on the cockpit floor thinking the track may have been mounted there but yours looks to be almost mid cockpit. (Maybe there has been more than one designed layout over the years?)
Thanks Again!
On Wed, Oct 12, 2022 at 1:36 PM sailhavasu via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
Hi Jason. Mine had the original setup in it when I go it. Here’s a couple of photos.
>> On Oct 12, 2022, at 12:46 PM, Jason Leckie <leckie.jas@gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi All, > > Would someone be able to send me a picture of their main sail traveller > system? The previous owner of my boat removed it so that the lower block on > my main sheet is attached at fixed point in middle of the cockpit. It works > fine but it would be nice to bring it back to the original design of the > boat which most of you likely have. > > Thank you in advance for your help. > > Jason Leckie > > Kuma > M17 Hull #340 1980