Halyard attachment

[baseman]

This may seem like an odd question, but here goes. I have a Viking, but I'm using the spars from my Phantom. On the upper boom on the Phantom, there is an eyestrap to attach the halyard. I want to lower the boom closer to the deck and the Sunfish rigging guide says to use a clove hitch. I know how to tie a clove hitch and I tried it today and it doesn't work (at least with the halyard that I have). What's the best way to secure the halyard to the upper boom?

 

[Fred P]

Add an additional turn to the clove hitch and put a stopper knot on the end.
There's also a knot called a halyard bend. Google it.

Fred

 

[Fred P]

There's also a rolling hitch which works very well because when there's no load on it, it can be moved along the spar to adjust the sail height.

Fred

 

[beldar boathead]

T tried it today and it doesn't work (at least with the halyard that I have). What's the best way to secure the halyard to the upper boom?

I agree with Fred's comments. Also, I have used the clove hitch with all kinds of line - fat and grippy, thin and slick, and it always works. Perhaps you are wrapping it around the boom the wrong way. On a Sunfish, you wrap it around counter clockwise (if looking from the head of the sail down the boom.) It the Viking also has the rig on the port side of the mast, you would wrap the halyard counter clockwise as well. If the Viking rig goes on the starboard side of the mast, you would wrap it clockwise.

 

[baseman]

Thanks. I'm not quite sure what I did yesterday, but it worked fine today.
BB, the Viking has the rig on the port side.