Need help figuring out my mainsheet

[OneTwoSail]

The previous owner put on a hardtop (I like) and then moved the mainsheet to a not very secure arch. Moving it back to the original location means the hard top would interfere when it's past the corners.

The rigger has given a few options, but they all have pros and cons, really could use some more ideas if anyone has. Boat is a Catalac 9M:
https://youtu.be/h8CkBzNDme8?si=yKEWqSvxBlOAiZmK

[fxykty]

Easiest option is to rebuild the arch so that it can handle the expected loads.

What are the options your rigger proposed?

[thinwater]

OBVIOUSLY ... if the halyard is in doubt of being 5000-pound test in its current condition, you pull up a climbing rope (meaning a rope that meets the strength requirement, not necessarily a UIAA rope). Put a reeving slice in both and this takes only moments.

[wholybee]

I would put it on the top of the hardtop. But, I would move it forward for mid boom sheeting. Then, the sheet can run forward to the mast, then down, to a position you can manage it from the helm. Being forward would also make up for not having the length you have with the traveler in other locations. You would need to engineer some strength into the top, but that seems very doable.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by wholybee

I would put it on the top of the hardtop. But, I would move it forward for mid boom sheeting. Then, the sheet can run forward to the mast, then down, to a position you can manage it from the helm. Being forward would also make up for not having the length you have with the traveler in other locations. You would need to engineer some strength into the top, but that seems very doable.

Mid-boom sheeting hugely increases the load on the boom, so to follow your suggestion the OP would need to strengthen the hard top and replace, or sleeve, the boom. Mid-boom sheeting is never done with multihulls and is certainly not required to run the mainsheet forward.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by fxykty

Mid-boom sheeting hugely increases the load on the boom, so to follow your suggestion the OP would need to strengthen the hard top and replace, or sleeve, the boom. Mid-boom sheeting is never done with multihulls and is certainly not required to run the mainsheet forward.

I agree it will require strengthening. But I think the traveler should be up high, instead of being in the way at deck level, and the danger of it catching the corners of the top. And I think if towards the aft of the top, it would be too short unless the solar panels are relocated (which might be a good idea in any case)