That is a ratcheting sheet block you are thinking of, not a halyard block (although your boat should have a halyard block by the mast. )
Sheet blocks weren’t standard til maybe 20 years ago. Before that they were a user-installed item.
Other than the patches, the sail looks like it's definitely worth saving. While not an ideal place for a sail "window", maybe that would disguise (and strengthen) any rips, tears, or holes. Great shape for its age!It's not a looker just yet,
still has duct tape patches on the sail, blue primer paint on the the hull, a soft spot my local fiberglass guy needs to attend to, etc. The rudder and dagger board don't look bad but I probably ought to refinish those too. It's a winter project.
OK, now viewing the other side, maybe I should re-think the suggestion of putting in a window?It's a plastic pallet. I'm still new at this hobby, but I would probably get my share of ridicule if I show up at a regatta with this old rag. But maybe it's not as bad as I think?
The S hook will prevent the pulling-out of grommets and tearing of the sail at the tack when raising it.Yes it is as bad as you think. But don't ditch it, it looks original to the boat, period correct with the 2 stripes that match the deck stripes, and as you mentioned it would be fun to keep it in original trim for mess abouts. It would be fun to see if a sail loft could get the duct tape off, clean it and do a correct repair with adhesive backed sailcloth from Sailrite. In the meantime it will serve its intended purpose.
You should round up an S hook for the tack of the sail. While you're playing with sails and spars, you might want to add a newer outhaul cap to the tack end of the boom, with the tab pointing down. The plastic tab prevents the eyebolt from gouging the foredeck. And post a picture of the cleat in the cockpit that you mentioned.
Cheers!
Kent and Skipper
Yes it is as bad as you think. But don't ditch it, it looks original to the boat, period correct with the 2 stripes that match the deck stripes, and as you mentioned it would be fun to keep it in original trim for mess abouts. It would be fun to see if a sail loft could get the duct tape off, clean it and do a correct repair with adhesive backed sailcloth from Sailrite. In the meantime it will serve its intended purpose.
You should round up an S hook for the tack of the sail. While you're playing with sails and spars, you might want to add a newer outhaul cap to the tack end of the boom, with the tab pointing down. The plastic tab prevents the eyebolt from gouging the foredeck.
View attachment 29316
And post a picture of the cleat in the cockpit that you mentioned.
Cheers!
Kent and Skipper
that's definitely not standard - looks like the previous owner removed the standard hook and replaced it with a horn cleat. it will work - but I certainly would never want to cleat the mainsheet on something that tricky to remove if a gust of wind were to come up while you are sailing.
this is my basic setup (on a Minifish...) it's even easier to install on a Sunfish like yours with the cockpit lip/overhang.
this 2nd photo is my older Sunfish similar to yours - but before I had installed the stand-up spring (I would recommend installing the spring - it keeps the ratchet block from flopping around and scratching up the deck.
I like the old hook, too- just not the big horn cleat that he has on there now.I actually really like the old hook...and my knees are just fine..thank you!
I have a ratchet and cam cleats in addition, but the "hook" can rest some fatigued grips on occasion.
Sounds like a full day.
Sea Trials complete!
Did a name surface? With all those capsizes whe might be NEMO, Master of the Deep.[/QUOT
No damage to the boat, just a severely bruised pride. Uprighting wasn't that difficult, getting back aboard took more athleticism than I've had for a very long time. After the third splash, I was done. My problems started when I dropped the tiller just as I was rounding the point coming out of a cove and the gust hit me broadside with the sail pulled in tight. Had I just let go of the sheet and let the sail out I might have saved it, but no, the fancy cam cleat held the line tight and over we went.Something bent or floated off.
We should have said something about capsize recovery.