Hello,
I am a new owner of a Passagemaker, balanced lug rig sailplan. I did not build this boat, but looks to have been beautifully done by her prior owner. I am not sure if the main sheet is set up as efficiently as it could be. Currently, the lower yard has two blocks which the main sheet is run through and then tied off to a rope “traveler” astern (much like a Sunfish has). The working end of the main sheet comes down to the center board trunk where there is a rope bridle i attached a third block to. I ended up shortening this bridle as much as I could, as the angle was off. there is basically no mechanical advantage in this system as is.
I saw a picture here in the forum, another lug rigged passsagemaker, not employing a stern traveler, just a simple 2/3:1 system between the daggerboard trunk and yard. my question is; should I abandon the traveler, and thus the sheeting angle stemming from the back of the yard, by rigging a 2/3:1 system between trunk and yard OR should I keep the traveler and add a 2/3:1 system to existing set up.
Coastal sailing. 15 knots is not uncommon. No reefing points yet, but will see about adding.
Thanks!
Richard
Charleston, SC
The lug on a PMD is only 62 ft^2 so you certainly do not need additional mechanical advantage. You could easily make it a 2:1 by adding a block on the traveler like my Goat Island Skiff (104 ft^2 lug) has. Here are several pictures.
Looking through the CLC pictures it looks like all of the lug rig PMDs use boom end sheeting. As a result, I suspect that the boom is not strong enough for mid boom sheeting. If you convert to mid-boom, the boom will flex and you will have trouble getting enough leech tension in higher winds.
If you want to increase the performance of your lug rig, suggest that you read through the collection of articles here: Lug Rig Setup Archives - Storer Boat Plans in Wood and Plywood . Micheal Storer is arguably one of the masters regarding lug rig. The main key to lug performance is the ability to get significant luff tension. This picture shows my GIS rigged with vanghaul and bleater as suggested by Michael. Note that the vanghaul has 8:1 purchase and is run aft so that it is easily adjusted underway. Hope that this helps.
Very helpful, thank you Mark! Was thinking excessive purchase was going to be overkill. Ill take a look at the link. Thanks again!
