Forums > Land Yacht Sailing Construction

Number and size of shackles (pulley blocks) required

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Created by GerryAttrick > 9 months ago, 19 Jul 2021
GerryAttrick
18 posts
19 Jul 2021 8:28AM
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Can anyone give me the number and size for the pulley blocks involved in sheeting the sail on the LLFM. I have been given some but I think they are too light as they came off a P class yacht. If there is a post previously covering this (preferably with pictures) I'd be grateful for a link as I have searched without getting the info I need.

kennatt
135 posts
19 Jul 2021 7:35PM
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the only thing you need to consider, regardless of make of yacht, is the size of sheeting rope,and how much effort you are prepared to use to sheet in. The rope needs to fit the rollers on the pullys to be snagg free, the thicker the rope the easier it is on your grip and the more pullys you fit the less effort to sheet in. The bigger the sail the more effort so more pullys. The arrangement of the pullys is down to personal choice and length of the sail foot/boom Rear sheeting or end of boom. Have a look round the various photos and you will see a variety of pully positions and sheet routing . Good luck

mulgachook
NSW, 35 posts
19 Jul 2021 11:56PM
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At a minimum, 5 pulleys to suit 6mm rope. (roughly 20mm sheave diameter) One on the end of the seat mainsheet attachment, two on the boom above this to give you 4:1 , one on the boom adjacent to the mast and one at the base of the mast to direct the sheet back to you. It is important that the first three pulleys on the main sheet between your hands and the middle of the boom run fairly freely, the rope runs through these more quickly than the last two in the chain between the seat back and boom. 25 and 32mm sheaves run even better and 6mm telstra rope runs well through sheaves designed for 10mm rope. Separately a pair of double blocks and 3mm blind cord gives a 5:1 ratio and is a bonus when downhauling the sail. A full set of new pulleys is nearly as expensive as the wheels! Collect every old yacht pulley you can find to mix and match a set.

GerryAttrick
18 posts
20 Jul 2021 1:36PM
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Thanks guys now I know what to look out for and I'll have a browse in the gallery. There is a shop selling 2nd hand sailing stuff in Auckland so it might be worth a visit next time I am up there.

There are also a bunch of old yachts on moorings here in Whangamata slowly mouldering away. I might see is any are going to be trashed and see if there are any on there I can salvage. Some are close to sinking completely and I am sure the Harbour Board wants them out but owners have died and they cant find Estate Admins.

Hmm maybe a night time paddle in my kayak will bear fruit? ..just kidding



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"Number and size of shackles (pulley blocks) required" started by GerryAttrick