Potter-19 Mainsheet system

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by Adam Orton, Jul 26, 2020.

  1. Adam Orton
    Joined: Jul 2020
    Posts: 2
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    Location: Oklahoma City

    Adam Orton New Member

    Hello,

    Not sure if this belongs here but I'm having trouble trying to find people that could explain the current system on a west wight potter 19 and it's benifits and cons and if it's would be beneficial to switch to a track and car system or a different one? Potters are notorious for not pointing well. 50 degrees off the wind at best. I'll be putting Genoa tracks on the cabin roof to bring in the angle to the main some more. Just seeing what else would help in handling. fig8.jpg

    Thank you for any help you may provide.
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    You're not going to get that boat to point much higher and still have some speed. Getting the tracks inboard may actually be worse. If you want to experiment without modifying anything major, try a barber hauler.
     
  3. Adam Orton
    Joined: Jul 2020
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    Location: Oklahoma City

    Adam Orton New Member

    Really? I was going off some advice from another forum. There were a few options.

    #1 tracks inboard of the shrouds on the cabin top 8-10 degrees off the main.

    #2 tracks on the side of the cabin (presents and issue using winches) 12-15 degrees

    #3 tracks on deck to the side of the cabin running aft of the cabin a bit (this option allows use of a great range of jobs and Genoa but increases that angle more towards the original of 20 but with the ability to control the clew a bit more.

    I'm looking to see if anything has changed systems on their own smaller boats and seen what's better.

    Thank you again!
     
  4. tlouth7
    Joined: Jun 2013
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    Location: Cambridge, UK

    tlouth7 Senior Member

    The setup you have does not pull the boom to the centreline. Its main advantage over a single mainsheet is that it leaves a gap for the tiller to pass through.

    If you want to sheet to the centreline then you could fit a bridle using much of the existing hardware. Basically you start with a fixed line, tie a short loop in the centre (using a figure of eight on the bight is best). Then tie each end to the fittings where the port and starboard blocks are currently mounted. Ideally you want the length of this bridle such that the central loop is a little way below the end of the boom. You now attach a conventional mainsheet to this central point, perhaps with 3:1 purchase. You will notice when sailing close hauled that the windward side of the bridle is tighter than the leeward. You can do various things with the tail of the mainsheet: bring it down to one side and through the existing jammer; sheet directly from the boom with a ratchet block to take the strain; lead it forward along the boom and then to a central swivel block on the cockpit floor.

    All this assumes that having the boom on the centreline will be a benefit which is not necessarily true. If your hull has lots of drag or leeway then sailing with the sails sheeted wider may actually be faster.

    [​IMG]
     

  5. Blueknarr
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Location: Colorado

    Blueknarr Senior Member

    Ate you trying to tighten the jib's or the main's angle of attack?
    The picture you give is of the main, while the three options you quote are for the jib.
    The jib's size, cut, shape and clew height will determine where it is best sheeted to.
     
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