I am looking at setting up one of these systems and have had a look at the chinook all in one package but was wondering if their is a better setup or a cheaper way of doing it.
Cheers
plenty of DIY's online with a couple of cleats and a pulley for the clew grommet if you want cheaper
Where do you sail, I'll be moving up to Sydney (probably Dee Why) in a few weeks. I've got 3 or 4 brand new complete sets which I don't use... not much good to a wave sailor.
If you're around anytime I'm sailing you're welcome to a set.
Good morning, GH,
You'll need to go to a yachting shop for the hardware:
2 x Clamcleat CL 244 (See their web site)
2 x Ronstan RF 666, 19mm blocks
3 or 4 mm rope. Measure from where you intend to mount the Clamcleats on one arm, around to the other, then double the amount. White rope with orange and black flecks, about 4mm in diam (normal downhaul rope). Any excess can be used for spare downhaul.
If you don't have 3 x pullies already in the boom back end, you'll need:
A stainless steel D shackle, at least 30mm-long, with the removable-screw pin mounted through the clew eye of the sail (for quick removal/fitting of the AO). The D shackle length must be long enough for the pin to go through the clew eye, whilst the legs are long enough to clear the sail and mate with the block, below.
A two-sheave, loop head (or similar) block to mount the block to the boom back end. This block needs to be high strength stainless steel to take the outhaul forces. The legs need to be riveted to the sheave housing. The sheaves need to be about 15mm in diameter. Made by Ronstan or Harken. THIS BLOCK WILL BE EXPENSIVE!.
The rope for the back end needs to be very high strength. I use blue rope, with black flecks and it's about 2mm in diam.
Google Adjustable Outhaul to see other ideas.
It takes a while to be able to use the AO, but it's worthwhile on sails from 7.5m upwards.
Hope this helps.