How are people getting on with flattener? Easier to sail and still be able to stay within sight of other boats?
I don't want to go down the B rig option but starting to struggle with my cumulus at 13st - not sure if its just age. Any other big wind suggestions?
I fitted a s/s sheave block that would have to be cut into the boom. Gives a near vertcial downward pull. A typical sheave block would be the Ronstan RF15711 lead to a 2:1 in the boom and then existing near the kicker to a clamcleat. Easy pull on (with kicker off) and off. As for the clew end dead end, I have a spliced loop to a 'dog bone' for easy rigging etc.
all the blocks and purchases are inside the boom.... Exit cleat and handle...See below photo..
I have put a bullnose with insert underneath the new clew on the side of the boom and then fed the control rope into the boom with a 2:1 inside the boom
The rope exits the boom just in front of the cleat at the bottom of the boom and then to a turning block as close to the mast as possible and from there it is led aft on the floor lying loose to me sitting on the side.
I tried the turning block near the kicker but that failed because when you pull on it the boom moves making it very difficult, near the mast works perfectly
I also put a stopper on the rope after the block and set that to just let the flattener off to stop lots of loose rope lying around
To put it on, set the in haul and outhaul and loosen the kicker
To release just lean in and pull it out of the cleat, the kicker pulls the boom down
I have found with the flattener on the front of the sail looks bad but if you can move the the inhaul to almost touching the boom it looks much better
Used the flattener on Wednesday, 20 gusting 24. Allowed me to race until breaking waves were lifting me off the side deck on the reach. Decided to stop at that point.
Photo 1
7cm wire strop at kicking strap take off. (Could be Dynes's)
Rooster are selling a fitting kit and have some very useful diagrams on their website
Yes, but not difficult to set up a system to allow release or to put on. Beware of stretch as quite large loads. Also kicker may need short strop at base or at boom end unless you have a lot of capacity in your control lines. I'll take some photos on Wednesday evening and post them.
Thanks David. I will drop my 2nd sail off with Taxi!
I was thinking of using a simple laser style strop round the new clew rather than a more complex setup as sailing inshore 1 race at a time. Good idea?
Hi. I'm very pleased with my flattener (74 kg with Zeta mast). Used in in 15 mph and above. Gybing much easier because boom 6 inches higher as with 2 hip replacements I find the boom too low. Used a lot at nationals. I thought I lost a little on the reaches. The runs seem little different. I'm probably slightly faster upwind and can tack with kicker on. There is a photo of me (5889) in the latest interactive report on the nationals, difficult to see any difference. It will certainly keep me in the solo a few years longer. I have low cost external system. It is possible to put on whilst on the water but really need a rib to hold you ( can't be done during a race). Easy to release if wind drops.