When the sails begin to slat in light air plus swell, we suffer from one of the blocks of the Outhaul which reside within the boom, slamming against the boom with a resultant rifle shot crack! It's quite disconcerting and certainly deprives one of sleep!

When I removed the outhaul a week or two ago (first time I'd removed it) I found that the construction was a 6:1 block and tackle affair, and that the distance between the two block was long - as I've tried to show in the attached photo. The line is then brought back to a clutch in the cockpit where a winch is available.

I am considering changing the arrangement in two possible ways and would welcome advise along the lines of; "No don't do it! or go with number 1 - or some better approach I've not thought of!"

Option 1 would be to arrange it so that the two blocks are much closer together - that will move the aft block closer to the mast, and therefore when the sail slats, the momentum in the aft block will be significantly reduced - hopefully reducing the noise.

Option 2 would be to eliminate the block and tackle entirely and use the winch whenever I need to adjust the outhaul. (I rarely have to use the winch to make an adjustment.)

Bill Balme

Thank you Dick! Option 1 it is! That's certainly the simplest option in my mind. I think I'll end up looking for a maximum of 12" adjustment, but will probably plan for the blocks to be about 24 or 36" apart - otherwise I fear they may develop more friction and have a tendency to not lay well in the boom. I'm thinking 10mm 12-strand Dyneema should be plenty strong enough

With regards your boom restraint - do you essentially maintain three control lines on the boom at all times? Two side deck b&t's as well as a standard mainsheet?

I do use a b&t to the side deck when at anchor to stop the boom moving, and I occasionally have employed it while the main is slating - but with minimal success, since the main will slat whether or not the boom is rigid. I can't say I've noticed if it quieted the blocks though...

Bill Balme