C356 Genoa furling line clutch and block

100 views
Skip to first unread message

Jeffrey Hare

unread,
May 6, 2025, 2:06:37 PM5/6/25
to Catalina355
I notice that the new C356 has a line clutch followed by a turning block back near the cockpit on the port side.

I think I'd like to do the same thing on our 355. First, I know there are many solutions to this, but has anyone here added a line clutch and turning block already so that the furling line could be dropped on the winch if needed to help ease it out or furl it in under load?

Also, what does everyone think about the 356 eliminating the traveler completely?  I have mixed feelings, but it is interesting, especially from a canvas-maker's perspective to not have to deal with the traveler.

-Jeff Hare

Mike Maksimchuk

unread,
May 6, 2025, 2:26:43 PM5/6/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Catalina355 group. To post to this group, send email to catal...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to catalina355...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/catalina355?hl=en
 
If changing the topic, please start a new message and send to catal...@googlegroups.com, rather than clicking "reply" to an existing message.
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Catalina355" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to catalina355...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/catalina355/a741e89e-1cec-47a0-bd62-109f15914804n%40googlegroups.com.

Henry Baker

unread,
May 6, 2025, 2:54:27 PM5/6/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, Catalina355
I added a turning block to the last stanchion on the port side as shown in the picture. 

I think eliminating the traveler will lead to poorer performance with suboptimal sail shape when sailing close hull because you won’t be able to get the boom to the midline of the boat.   

image0.jpeg
HVB
Sent from the field. 

On May 6, 2025, at 2:06 PM, Jeffrey Hare <cata...@thehares.com> wrote:

I notice that the new C356 has a line clutch followed by a turning block back near the cockpit on the port side.

I think I'd like to do the same thing on our 355. First, I know there are many solutions to this, but has anyone here added a line clutch and turning block already so that the furling line could be dropped on the winch if needed to help ease it out or furl it in under load?

Also, what does everyone think about the 356 eliminating the traveler completely?  I have mixed feelings, but it is interesting, especially from a canvas-maker's perspective to not have to deal with the traveler.

-Jeff Hare

--

ken magida

unread,
May 6, 2025, 4:11:03 PM5/6/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
I added a ratcheting turning block with a cam clean on the toe rail following a posting on the board several years ago. I will take a photo when I am at the boat.

Ken
 
Ken Magida
23B Norwood Road
Port Washington, New York 11050
cell:      (516) 428-4577
From: catal...@googlegroups.com <catal...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Henry Baker <hvb...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 14:54
To: catal...@googlegroups.com <catal...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Catalina355 <catal...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Catalina 355:5727] C356 Genoa furling line clutch and block
 

STEWART SMITH

unread,
May 7, 2025, 9:29:13 AM5/7/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
A couple years ago there was a post and photos where attaching a block such as this to the stern pulpit was done. The result was in heavy wind, and on reefing the headsail, the pulpit was torn out of the deck to the tune of a $3500 repair. I felt the idea had merit but instead of using the pulpit I used the metal toe rail with a block and tied if off to the stern clet when reefing. Seems the sharp angle of pull pressure at the pulpit was too much.Stu Smith #80

Dhyanesh Kostka

unread,
May 8, 2025, 8:41:22 AM5/8/25
to Catalina355
IMG_0015.jpegThat’s the way it’s done on my C355

Charlie Wing

unread,
May 9, 2025, 2:14:02 PM5/9/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, catal...@googlegroups.com
Thank you Stu,
I was wondering about that at the Stanchion isn’t really designed for that kind of load.
Do you have a picture of the toe rail attachment we could look at?
Charlie
Wing’n It #20

Sent from my iPhone

On May 7, 2025, at 9:29 AM, STEWART SMITH <stusm...@cox.net> wrote:


A couple years ago there was a post and photos where attaching a block such as this to the stern pulpit was done. The result was in heavy wind, and on reefing the headsail, the pulpit was torn out of the deck to the tune of a $3500 repair. I felt the idea had merit but instead of using the pulpit I used the metal toe rail with a block and tied if off to the stern clet when reefing. Seems the sharp angle of pull pressure at the pulpit was too much.Stu Smith #80

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11:54:28 AM PDT, Henry Baker <hvb...@gmail.com> wrote:


I added a turning block to the last stanchion on the port side as shown in the picture. 

I think eliminating the traveler will lead to poorer performance with suboptimal sail shape when sailing close hull because you won’t be able to get the boom to the midline of the boat.   

Henry Baker

unread,
May 9, 2025, 3:50:05 PM5/9/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, catal...@googlegroups.com
Stu, et al.,

Page 19 of the Catalina 355 owner’s manual shows a rail mounted turning block on the stanchion where I have mine in the picture I previously posted. 

Below is page 19 for your reference.

image0.png

HVB
Sent from the field. 

On May 9, 2025, at 2:14 PM, Charlie Wing <charli...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank you Stu,
I was wondering about that at the Stanchion isn’t really designed for that kind of load.
Do you have a picture of the toe rail attachment we could look at?35

Phil Kling

unread,
May 9, 2025, 6:09:39 PM5/9/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
This is what I installed on hull #5
Small pivot block mounted to the toe rail. Line goes through the block and back to cleat aft of primary winch. If needed, I can use the winch to furl but I never have to date.  I usually pull the line from the cockpit and then cleat the line once furled. Simple and effective. Phil



Phil K
Hull #5
Perfect Day



Kenneth Oates

unread,
May 9, 2025, 7:02:40 PM5/9/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
I should have thought about the fact that I was about to head to the boat before writing my last email. I have attached pictures of the set up I use.  The advantage of the cam cleat set up is that it allows you to take the line off the aft cleat without any immediate tension on the line.  If you are trying to furl because you need to reef, it’s nice not to have a ton of tension on the line immediately after undoing it from the cleat.  You can put it on the winch and then pop it out of the cam cleat.

Many ways to skin this cat.

Ken Oates
Kshanti, hull 151

IMG_1253.jpegIMG_1254.jpeg


On May 9, 2025, at 3:09 PM, Phil Kling <phil.w...@gmail.com> wrote:

This is what I installed on hull #5
Small pivot block mounted to the toe rail. Line goes through the block and back to cleat aft of primary winch. If needed, I can use the winch to furl but I never have to date.  I usually pull the line from the cockpit and then cleat the line once furled. Simple and effective. Phil

<IMG_3792.jpeg>

Charlie Wing

unread,
May 9, 2025, 7:29:42 PM5/9/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, catal...@googlegroups.com
Appreciate all the pics & info here & previous threads on this topic. It’s true - many ways to skin this cat.
Charlie
Wing’n It #20

Sent from my iPhone

On May 9, 2025, at 7:02 PM, Kenneth Oates <oat...@gmail.com> wrote:

I should have thought about the fact that I was about to head to the boat before writing my last email. I have attached pictures of the set up I use.  The advantage of the cam cleat set up is that it allows you to take the line off the aft cleat without any immediate tension on the line.  If you are trying to furl because you need to reef, it’s nice not to have a ton of tension on the line immediately after undoing it from the cleat.  You can put it on the winch and then pop it out of the cam cleat.

Many ways to skin this cat.
Ken Oates
Kshanti, hull 151

<IMG_1253.jpeg>
<IMG_1254.jpeg>


ken magida

unread,
May 12, 2025, 8:57:41 PM5/12/25
to Catalina355
photo attached

Ken
 
Ken Magida
23B Norwood Road
Port Washington, New York 11050
cell:      (516) 428-4577
From: ken magida <kensa...@outlook.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 16:10
To: catal...@googlegroups.com <catal...@googlegroups.com>
furling line turning block.cam.jpg

Kenneth Oates

unread,
May 13, 2025, 1:04:53 PM5/13/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
I’ve been following this discussion with some interest.  Later models (I have hull #151) do not have the swivel block mounted on the pushpit.  I suspect that was a design change after someone damaged the railing.  I also installed a block with a cam cleat on the toe rail.  


I put this on the second to last hole in the toe rail, as I use the aft most hole in the toe rail for the block for my spinnaker sheet.  I found it best to turn the cam cleat over (parts and instructions included from Harken) and I needed to adjust the angle of the cam cleat a bit to get it to work well.  In this position, if needed the furling line can be lead across the cockpit to one of the cabin top winches if the jib sheet is on the primary winch on the port side.  That way you can reef on a starboard tack.

Hope this helps

Ken Oates
Kshanti, hull 355





On May 9, 2025, at 12:49 PM, Henry Baker <hvb...@gmail.com> wrote:

Stu, et al.,

Page 19 of the Catalina 355 owner’s manual shows a rail mounted turning block on the stanchion where I have mine in the picture I previously posted. 

Below is page 19 for your reference.

hvb...@gmail.com

unread,
May 13, 2025, 1:14:54 PM5/13/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
Hi Ken,

Interesting I have hull 158 and had the block on the stern rail. So far so good for me. 


HVB
Sent from the field. 

On May 13, 2025, at 1:04 PM, Kenneth Oates <oat...@gmail.com> wrote:

I’ve been following this discussion with some interest.  Later models (I have hull #151) do not have the swivel block mounted on the pushpit.  I suspect that was a design change after someone damaged the railing.  I also installed a block with a cam cleat on the toe rail.  

Kenneth Oates

unread,
May 13, 2025, 5:36:10 PM5/13/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
That is interesting.  Maybe it has to do with who installed the pushpit/lifelines or the two most dreaded words in boating, “previous owner”.  I didn’t get my boat new so maybe it was changed before I got it.  Shouldn’t have sounded so authoritative, I guess.




STEWART SMITH

unread,
May 14, 2025, 10:53:08 AM5/14/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
For those of you talking about the placement of the jib furling line block look at post #361 dated June 2020 from Mike Dyslin. You will see the results of putting the block on the stern pulpit rail with photos. There were a couple post back then on this subject one one of them he cites a huge cost of repair as I recall. "stern railing deckmount broken"

hvb...@gmail.com

unread,
May 16, 2025, 5:41:09 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
Good conversation as a result decided to remove the turning block from the stanchion and put a clutch on the deck followed by a turning block the is attached to the deck. I like this arrangement and won’t worry about breaking the stanchion. Below is a picture of my solution. 

image0.jpeg


HVB
Sent from the field. 

On May 14, 2025, at 10:53 AM, STEWART SMITH <stusm...@cox.net> wrote:


For those of you talking about the placement of the jib furling line block look at post #361 dated June 2020 from Mike Dyslin. You will see the results of putting the block on the stern pulpit rail with photos. There were a couple post back then on this subject one one of them he cites a huge cost of repair as I recall. "stern railing deckmount broken"

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:05:04 AM PDT, Kenneth Oates <oat...@gmail.com> wrote:


I’ve been following this discussion with some interest.  Later models (I have hull #151) do not have the swivel block mounted on the pushpit.  I suspect that was a design change after someone damaged the railing.  I also installed a block with a cam cleat on the toe rail.  

Ernie Bubb

unread,
May 16, 2025, 6:49:09 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, catal...@googlegroups.com
This has been an interesting thread, thanks. One question: there have been a number of comments about using the winch to reef or furl the genoa. I thought that putting the reef line on the winch was very much discouraged as it was likely to damage the roller furling hardware. What’s the story with this?

Ernie
At Ease
Hull number 19
Sent from my iPad

On May 16, 2025, at 5:41 PM, hvb...@gmail.com wrote:

Good conversation as a result decided to remove the turning block from the stanchion and put a clutch on the deck followed by a turning block the is attached to the deck. I like this arrangement and won’t worry about breaking the stanchion. Below is a picture of my solution. 

hvb...@gmail.com

unread,
May 16, 2025, 6:58:04 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
I tend not to use the winch to roll in the jib. I prefer by hand but in 4 years have probably used the winch a handful of time when a storm came up. 


HVB
Sent from the field. 

On May 16, 2025, at 6:49 PM, Ernie Bubb <erni...@gmail.com> wrote:

This has been an interesting thread, thanks. One question: there have been a number of comments about using the winch to reef or furl the genoa. I thought that putting the reef line on the winch was very much discouraged as it was likely to damage the roller furling hardware. What’s the story with this?

Mike Maksimchuk

unread,
May 16, 2025, 8:27:10 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com, catal...@googlegroups.com
We have found that if we can’t furl by hand, there’s too much pressure on the sail. Let it flap in the breeze as you furl. That’s what the directions say on the new one we had installed. 

On May 16, 2025, at 18:58, hvb...@gmail.com wrote:

I tend not to use the winch to roll in the jib. I prefer by hand but in 4 years have probably used the winch a handful of time when a storm came up. 

Kenneth Oates

unread,
May 16, 2025, 8:27:48 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
I also try to furl by hand if at all possible.  In heavy winds, however, moving from the first to the second reef in the genoa, the furling line can be under a lot of load, and if it is only on that little cleat next to the winch, the second you take it off it tries to unfurl the sail, making your situation worse, not better.  A clutch on the line before the winch and cleat allows you to take it off the cleat, put it on the winch then release the cam cleat or clutch and furl under controlled conditions.

At least that is my reasoning for installing the cam cleat on my furling line.

Ken Oates
Kshanti, Hull 151





Ernie Bubb

unread,
May 16, 2025, 8:32:40 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
Thanks. Makes sense. 
Sent from my iPhone

On May 16, 2025, at 8:27 PM, Kenneth Oates <oat...@gmail.com> wrote:

I also try to furl by hand if at all possible.  In heavy winds, however, moving from the first to the second reef in the genoa, the furling line can be under a lot of load, and if it is only on that little cleat next to the winch, the second you take it off it tries to unfurl the sail, making your situation worse, not better.  A clutch on the line before the winch and cleat allows you to take it off the cleat, put it on the winch then release the cam cleat or clutch and furl under controlled conditions.

bill pittore

unread,
May 16, 2025, 9:27:23 PM5/16/25
to catal...@googlegroups.com
If conditions allow I usually turn downwind and put the genoa behind the main which reduces the pressure on the genoa considerably. Then I can furl it with reasonable effort. 

Bill

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/catalina355/0D2958F1-E109-42C9-A542-0A3F72FE1919%40mtu.edu.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages