What is this block for?

[dwlangham]

The attached picture is of the foredeck of a Catalina 22. Can someone tell me the purpose of the block located just forward of the hatch (see the yellow arrow)?

Thanks.

Don

[Capt.Don]

Foreguy for spinnaker pole.

[dwlangham]

Originally Posted by Capt.Don

Foreguy for spinnaker pole.

Ahh. Thanks!

[Souzag818]

Originally Posted by Capt.Don

Foreguy for spinnaker pole.

What he said

[Canarios]

Spinnaker boom downhole. Important to be used while sailing with spinnaker, otherwise the boom lifts and it becomes impossible to bring it down again in strong wind. You also need a lift to keep the boom horizontal.
Usually the block should be close to the mast so you don’t need to adjust the downhole when adjusting the windward sheet.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Canarios

Spinnaker boom downhole. Important to be used while sailing with spinnaker, otherwise the boom lifts and it becomes impossible to bring it down again in strong wind. You also need a lift to keep the boom horizontal.
Usually the block should be close to the mast so you don’t need to adjust the downhole when adjusting the windward sheet.

Most likely meant downhaul.


Attached shows other good small boat ideas around a Mark I C22. From Pat Royce's Sailing Illustrated.

[JerryA]

Originally Posted by Canarios

Spinnaker boom downhole. Important to be used while sailing with spinnaker, otherwise the boom lifts and it becomes impossible to bring it down again in strong wind. You also need a lift to keep the boom horizontal.
Usually the block should be close to the mast so you don’t need to adjust the downhole when adjusting the windward sheet.

True enough, but when single-handing and flying a spinnaker, the block location forward on the deck provides a bit of additional control. Especially when swapping the pole end for end. At least that's been my experience.

JerryA