PocketShip.net

Hi,

I just returned from my sail-maker which gave me the option to attach the mainsail to the mast with a lace line.
Apart from the fact that I cant find any proper t-track over here in Holland it might give a more authentic look as well.

Does anybody have experience with a lace line?

As designed, the gaff rides the mast on a sliding gooseneck. Without sail track, "jaws" would be needed to keep the gaff on the mast. There's not much wrong with jaws, but they don't really go with a square mast, and cause chafe (even on a round mast).

With John Harris's blessing, I made round spars, including a hollow mast using the birds mouth method, for my Pocketship only because I wanted the challenge and think they look nice (there's no other advantage). I still use track just because I like having the gaff on a gooseneck, although I've considered switching to jaws and robands or hoops for the traditional look. Lacing on the mast makes reefing a little bit slower than track (I think) because one must tighten the lacing for each reef - that's one more step and one more cleat. Hoops or robands don't have that problem, but have other problems (chafing and jamming).

I DID, however, go WITHOUT track on the gaff, opting for robands to save weight aloft and am quite happy with that decision.

Having said all that, I now realize that you're the guy who built the aluminum boat (looks great). Are you going with aluminum spars?

Cheers,
Bob

Hi Bob,

Thanks for extensive reply.
I already considered the chaving of jaws on the mast. Glad you confirm that too.

I overlooked the slacking of the lace when reefing. Good that you mention that.
Luckily I found a supplier that has sells tracks. A suitable gooseneck with slider still is not easy to find over here.
We don’t have a racelite dealer in Europe.

What gooseneck did you use and where did you bought that?
Cheers
Arjen

Hi Arjen,
I have the racelite gooseneck. It's included in the hardware package I bought through CLC.
Bob

Assuming they do international shipping, you can order the Racelite parts either through Racelite's website or through duckworks.com.