Venture 222 running rigging help

[Be Free]

Yeah, but I should know better. I was a Physics major and paid my tuition tutoring math. Should have finished my coffee before posting.

[Be Free]

And fwiw my stern chainplate is not 100% centered... The wadp spray can is in the middle.

That's where the factory put it. It's fine there. Reference the picture of my adjustable backstay earlier. On the the backstay connects all the way over on the starboard side.

[Tomfoolery]

I'm curious what that black hole (or so it looks like) that's flanked by two small holes (screw holes?) with crazed gel coat in the cockpit sole near the companionway is for? Drain? Or was there a stand-up block there for the main sheet?

That little U-bolt doesn't look like it would do well with the side loading a main sheet system could impart. My Aquarius had a stand-up lower block in the same place on the cockpit sole for the main sheet system, which is the first thing that came to mind when looking at the picture, though I don't know why there would be a hole unless it was mounted from below.

[Jimmyt]

Yeah, but I should know better. I was a Physics major and paid my tuition tutoring math. Should have finished my coffee before posting.

Well, we all have our moments...

One day I'll buy you a beer or ten, and you can explain the twin theory, the speed of light, and how the twin traveling at the speed of light ages less than the one that's "stationary". I start aging faster at speeds over about 95 mph...

Trying to teach a mechanic, turned mechanical engineer, modern physics was a real challenge for my professor.

[Be Free]

Your main sheet certainly attaches to that bale in the middle of the boom. I went back an looked at some of your earlier pictures. The padeye where the original main sheet blocks would have attached on either gunwale is not only missing, the holes have been filled (very neatly from what I can see).



Stolen picture attached.

[Jimmyt]

I'm curious what that black hole (or so it looks like) that's flanked by two small holes (screw holes?) with crazed gel coat in the cockpit sole near the companionway is for? Drain? Or was there a stand-up block there for the main sheet?

That little U-bolt doesn't look like it would do well with the side loading a main sheet system could impart. My Aquarius had a stand-up lower block in the same place on the cockpit sole for the main sheet system, which is the first thing that came to mind when looking at the picture, though I don't know why there would be a hole unless it was mounted from below.

We could be looking at several generations of mods. Hard to know where to start, or which way to point him, other than shortest distance to water - just get it working with as little work as possible.

Maybe some plates on both sides of the wall to spread the load a bit?

[Be Free]

I'm curious what that black hole (or so it looks like) that's flanked by two small holes (screw holes?) with crazed gel coat in the cockpit sole near the companionway is for? Drain? Or was there a stand-up block there for the main sheet?

That little U-bolt doesn't look like it would do well with the side loading a main sheet system could impart. My Aquarius had a stand-up lower block in the same place on the cockpit sole for the main sheet system, which is the first thing that came to mind when looking at the picture, though I don't know why there would be a hole unless it was mounted from below.

I've been wondering the same thing myself. Maybe the PO got tired of stubbing his toes on the one on the cockpit sole or maybe he moved it to his new boat before he sold the 222. Lots of possibilities. It's certainly more common to have the attachment point on the sole than on the companionway step.

[Be Free]

Maybe that's where the missing main sheet went as well. So many questions...

[GonePostal]

I'm curious what that black hole (or so it looks like) that's flanked by two small holes (screw holes?) with crazed gel coat in the cockpit sole near the companionway is for? Drain? Or was there a stand-up block there for the main sheet?

That little U-bolt doesn't look like it would do well with the side loading a main sheet system could impart. My Aquarius had a stand-up lower block in the same place on the cockpit sole for the main sheet system, which is the first thing that came to mind when looking at the picture, though I don't know why there would be a hole unless it was mounted from below.

Finally! A question I can answer! haha

Thats my cockpit drain... Is that not standard?

[GonePostal]

This is turning into a 2 steps forward/1 step back kinda thing haha

Weve got physicists and mechanical engineers that are having a bit of trouble with this, so whats a lowly mail man to do??? haha

Im having my morning coffee trying to suss this out. Lemme see if I can get up to speed...

Several people have mentioned that my backstay adjuster is way too beefy. Couldnt I just NOT crank down on it super hard/tight so its not tensioned like a guitar string?

Or.... is that actually part of my mainsheet setup (that might go from mid boom to the eye bolt thing by my cabin entryway???), and I just need to get/make a new, solid wire backstay?

The 1ft long pigtail thing... is that my topping lift? Which I believe is for getting the boom up and outta the way while at anchor...???

Its funny, but you guys are teaching me so much, and I truly appreciate the help. But... the more I learn, the more I learn how much I have a lot more to learn. haha

So at this point, I dunno. I actually dont know what to ask/say. If someone could suggest an easy-ish fix thatd be great. Im not so much concerned about the cost but more about a simple easy fix that a total noob like me can understand, let alone do...

But thanks again guys. So much help here. You guys rock!

[Tomfoolery]

Several people have mentioned that my backstay adjuster is way too beefy. Couldnt I just NOT crank down on it super hard/tight so its not tensioned like a guitar string?
What we're saying is that it's beefier than it needs to be. No harm in that, but you don't want to crank down on it. An adjuster like that is for intentionally bending the mast back at the top to flatten the sail, which is a finer point you shouldn't concern yourself with at this early stage. IMO, of course.
Or.... is that actually part of my mainsheet setup (that might go from mid boom to the eye bolt thing by my cabin entryway???), and I just need to get/make a new, solid wire backstay?
If it were me, I would keep an adjuster but use small, inexpensive blocks and lighter line, because it speeds up rigging the boat.
Raise the mast, pin the forestay, then just snug the backstay. I use a long but light turnbuckle and just make some turns to snug the backstay, but your backstay is too short for that, so either replace it with new (with a Johnson lever perhaps), or just source some small, inexpensive blocks and rope clutch of some sort. What you don't want is for it to come undone when sailing downwind, though.
The 1ft long pigtail thing... is that my topping lift? Which I believe is for getting the boom up and outta the way while at anchor...???
Yes, in a way. Holds the boom up. Not used when sailing.

[GonePostal]

^^^^ Got ya. I think haha

So, the backstay adjuster kit from BWY that was mentioned earlier- would that be the way to go? I think thats basically what youre suggesting.

And then, do I use the (thing ) that is currently tensioning my backstay to connect the boom to the bolt mentioned earlier, by my cockpit drain...???
from there Im guessing I just need a line for my mainsail sheet.

Thats what Im reading fwiw

[Jimmyt]

^^^^ Got ya. I think haha

So, the backstay adjuster kit from BWY that was mentioned earlier- would that be the way to go? I think thats basically what youre suggesting.

And then, do I use the (thing ) that is currently tensioning my backstay to connect the boom to the bolt mentioned earlier, by my cockpit drain...???
from there Im guessing I just need a line for my mainsail sheet.

Thats what Im reading fwiw

Determine the condition of your backstay first. Are there kinks or broken wires anywhere along the length? Do you see corrosion at any of the fittings? What does that connection look like where the topping lift is attached?

If your backstay is usable, I agree with Tom. Swap out your tensioner hardware for lighter gear and use that rig for your main sheet. Add a swivel snap shackle to each end so you can remove it, or rig it quickly.

Or, if you want to leave the backstay as-is, you can order a new main sheet kit (with snap shackles), and go that route.

http://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/3315-1v0.htm

If your backstay is jacked-up, call bwyachts and get the kit. Then you would still use your existing backstay adjuster for your main sheet. The only reason you might need main sheet line is if the tensioner line isn't long enough. One block connects to the boom bale and the other (with the clutch on it) connects to the u-bolt in the cockpit.

And, rig a separate topping lift, boom support pole, etc., to keep the boom out of your way when the main sail isn't up.