MacGregorSailors.com

My question is about the RIGHT SIDE side fairlead against the rail as it has me puzzled? is it for a genoa...?
I believe I understand that the Jib sheet is supposed to be routed along the yellow path.


When I received the boat the red arrow section of the fairlead was worn through to the bolt... and the angle of wear was hard left to around the winch.

I'm starting to guess that I have a fairly basic boat.... and someone mentioned I may want to look into rope clutches placed before the winch....

They may have mounted it that way as to keep open the deck for walking forward...not saying that is the way to do it ...just my two cents

So do you think ignoring the outer one would be ok?

As I only have a jib sail....

I don't see why not. It might even be easier to operate since you will be eliminating an obviously severe friction point.

Ray

martyr wrote:So do you think ignoring the outer one would be ok?

As I only have a jib sail....

Short answer is yes, though I've never sailed a 26S, so take that for what it's worth.

Longer answer is, I'd remove it and fill the holes and blend them into the deck. It's serving no purpose, is a potential leak point, is worn out beyond use, and you don't even have a sail that would use it. If you add a genoa, you'd be better served with a real fairlead, and even better served with cars on tracks (not expensive), so if you someday add a genoa, you wouldn't use it anyway.

But there are loads of experienced 26 D/S owners here, so listen to them before you listen to me.

At least that's how I see it from here. Far away, and looking at a 2-D picture on a computer monitor.

Martyr,

My friend tkanzler is correct. Verbose, but correct.

I don't own your style of boat, but other than that line being a tripping point on the deck, I don't see why you should not do it. That line will be trippable (is that a word?) no matter where on deck.

Personally, I would leave the worn fairlead alone for now. Just not use it, and leave its removal for the off season. Doing it will interfere with sailing.

When you gain a little more confidence in your boat repair decision skills, you can change your nom de plume from martyr to something more positive, but keep coming back with questions. We all have them from time to time.



Ray

After 40+ years of trial and lots of error, I avoid fairleads for jib sheets like the plague. Freedom has more filled in holes that a wheel of swiss cheese. I suspect it is a fairlead for a genoa. If it were me I'd remove the fairlead and replace it with a low profile turning block or as suggested a track with movable car which won't chafe against the lifeline stanchion. You will have less strain and friction. It also appears that the winch could be move more outboard giving you more room to walk forward and less of a trip hazard. I'm jus' sayin' Good luck.. Fair winds and full sails...Old Salt.