Those things are ridiculously over priced for what they are.

I've made a few in my time using the bottom section of a broken carbon mast and a narrower section that sleeves into it from slightly higher up.

They work a treat, although you'll end up with a mast that is slightly too flexible for the luff length.

This is not a problem so long as the wind conditions are light, or the sailor is light.

paddymac said...

A bit of broom handle and a busted mast, Bob's you uncle.

Sounds like Uncle Bob is not somebody I'd like to meet...

pepe47 said...

Hooksey, I use an NP extension bacause the pulley and the base match, both being at right angles to the mast. The base you're referring to suits thier sails, which are horizontal to the mast, when you tighten the downhaul the resulting crossover of downhaul rope can become a pain.

I used to think that the pulleys had to be in the same plane, until I watched this vid:



When you get it right you can downhaul till the pulleys just about touch, and the lines don't cross over at all.

ikw777 said...

That knot he demonstrates at the end is well worth learning. It's dead easy and you'll never want a download tool again.

Down haul tool, just use the harness hook works a treat