The older style MC-Scows lack a board pull-down line. If your board doesn’t go down all the way in a tack, you are stuck with two bad options: live with it, or go to the low side and push it down. A very simple fix for this is to add a board pull-down line. Simply tie an 8′ line to one of the board horns or the line attached to it, run it through small blocks attached to the each end of the traveler bar, and secure it at the other board horn. Then you can pull a board down from either side of the cockpit.
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Love it!! I’ll totally be adding a leeboard pull-down line modification to my MC-Scow. On a quick tack, I might only get the board partially down. Once you’re out hiking, who wants to go to the low side to get a board down? It’s bad enough when you have a crew on a C-Scow to do it, let alone solo on the MC-Scow. You can see other Mods at https://sailzing.com/tag/sailzing-mods/
I don’t completely understand, could you post a photo of the whole assembly? Also, does this feature work sailing with crew or is the line impeded by the crew’s legs?
I’m working on a better picture.
I’ve added a picture of the overall layout. The pull down line is the black and purple line running from one board, to the traveler, across the traveler, and then to the other board. The line is plenty long – note the excess line under the traveler bar. If you have a crew, presumably the crew would be sitting on the high side, and wouldn’t affect the ability to pull the low side board down.
In the last photo, I see that you’ve taped your mainsheet block. I assume that’s to warn you not to cleat your main…ever.
Yes, I tape my mainsheet cam cleats, mostly because when hiked out, the mainsheet has a tendency to get caught in the cleat.
Oh I see. Compelling idea.
Why have a mainsheet cleat at all. I am renovating an olderMC and probably will not even put one back on the boat. Thoughts?
Don
I think it’s OK to leave the cleat off. I only use it to keep my boards from inadvertently dropping while trailering.
As another point of view, I like my mainsheet cleat as a third hand. The key issue is that you should always have your hand on the sheet to feel the sail and constantly be able to tune the shape for speed and/or power. If you can manage that without cleating inappropriately, then I see no problem with having it. Getting rid of the cleat or taping it is an assist if you don’t have the discipline.