I've started taking a closer look at the downhaul setups on various boats and it's made me wonder how many different ways there might be to rig a 16:1 downhaul. For those of you running 16:1, what's your setup look like? Any photos would be great.
Following up on my question, I just wanted to add that I'm looking for various hardware options. Those who use a 16:1 system are either cascading an 8:1 onto a 2:1, or a 4:1 onto a 4:1, but I'm looking for the simplest, easiest to connect block arrangements.
I used a 16:1 for a while on my 18sq.
It was basically a 8:1 cascaded with a 2:1 preload line.
This seems to be the most popular because it is cheap and easy to add to a boat which has an 8:1 and can be taken off easily.
It was overkill for the 18sq mast, so I switched to a split 8:1 to take the wrinkles out of the bottom of the sail.
It was basically a 8:1 cascaded with a 2:1 preload line.
This seems to be the most popular because it is cheap and easy to add to a boat which has an 8:1 and can be taken off easily.
It was overkill for the 18sq mast, so I switched to a split 8:1 to take the wrinkles out of the bottom of the sail.
Sam,
Was yours set up with a couple of blocks tied through the sail grommet? Did you use cam cleats on the base of the mast to secure the ends of the 2:1?
Yes.
Use a pair of 29mm carbo blocks, ti-lites #351.
They come with a section of spectra line.
Loop the line through the grommet and both blocks and leave them on the sail.
Assuming you are using the dual hooks now, remove the hooks and tie a 1/4" or 5/16" piece of non-stretch line to the blocks.
You will have to figure out the length.
Mount the cleats(cam or clam) as close to the bottom of the mast as possible.
This makes it easier to preload the line by standing on it.
You will usually have to re-pre-load the downhaul after the sail settles in.
I meant to go around and take pictures of various downhauls and rotators at Spring Fever, but I was partying too much 
Kevin,
Attached is a photo of my 16:1 setup on my Nacra 5.5. It is cascading 8:1/2:1 or something like that.
The photo cuts off the top of the setup. What is missing is the hooks that go through the gromet in the sail. By keeping the original hooks I can keep the whole setup rigged on the boat all the time.
It is hard to see but there are 3 blocks at the bottom besides the exit blocks/cleats. One on each side plus one centered on the track. I put a small aluminum plate just inside the track to bolt that block to.
I have more photos, and at higher resolution. If anyone wants them let me know and I will e-mail them.
![[Linked Image]](http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ragenpl3/temp/Downhaul_16x1_a.jpg)