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Dennis Gibbons
 
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Default Avoiding an Accidental Gybe - suggestions please

For the Marion to Bermuda Race, a permanently installed preventer is
required. this is separate from and different from a vang, which pulls the
boom down for shape.

The recommended preventor is one Bob Seifert talks about and one I have had
on my boat for years. It is great and simple enough to use so you actually
use it.

Install a heavy duty, big boat block at the stem head. If you sheet from
anywhere fore of the end of the boom, install a tang and heavy duty tang at
the end of the boom. Using heavy , halyard strength line, create a line
about 3/4 the length of the boom. splice a metal eye at each end. Shackle
on end to the end of the boom. attach a heavy, heavy duty snap shackle to
the forward end. Reeve a heavy line long enough to reach from the cockpit
,to the stem and back to the cockpit through the block at the stemhead.
Splice a metal eye at one end.
When you are running, the long line goes outside the shrouds and attaches to
the boom line and you take up on the preventor as you ease the main. You
can use a spinnaker winch to take up the pressure.

by using the end of the boom, you have the best leverage, and you can easily
and quickly release the preventor if need be.

When not in use, the boom line can be affixed to a cleat on the boom and the
long line pulled up tight against the block.

--
Dennis Gibbons
S/V Dark Lady
CN35-207
email: dennis dash gibbons at worldnet dot att dot net
"John R Weiss" wrote in message
t...
"Sting" wrote...
Does anyone have any recommendations for rigs to prevent an accidental

gybe.
My boat is a 34 foot sloop.


Rig a preventer from the boom to the base of a lifeline stanchion or to a

block
on a genoa track. Depending on your rig, you might tie it off or lead it

to a
winch/stopper/cleat.