How many downhaul mechanical advantages are you guys running on your carbon masts? I am sailing a 2002 I17R with a stock downhaul system that has one turning block riveted on each side of the mast. It doesn't seem like enough mechanical advantages after sailing an A-cat and an F16. I recall seeing at least one 17 at Spring Fever a number of years ago that had two or three turning blocks riveted on each side of the mast. Is this a common upgrade on the carbon mast?
Geoff,
The stock 8:1 purchase is the maximum allowed by the class rules and your setup works fine. Anything more and all you do is fatigue the sail and components. Apples and oranges when comparing it with anything else. If you spend time finnicking with the boat on the beach then you are not sailing!
Bob <img src="<>/wink.gif" alt="wink" title="wink" height="15" width="15" />