PK78 Rigging

[Alex44]

Another PK78 question

I've been digging around trying to find details on parts and set up for rigging the PK78 (sprit rig). I have found general info and the 'How To' for the sprit sail, but they all lack the ''newbie' detail I'm looking for. I have managed to dig up a few details, but they are often contradictory and inconsistent. I'm sure because there is more than one way of doing it. I guess I'm looking for the most practical and functional way to put it together for a novice.

For example - how much, what size and what type of rope do I need? What kind of hardware do I need and how do I install it?
I realize that this is largely due to my ignorance. Although I have some experience sailing, it is limited and I am far from being comfortable with rigging. If anybody has the patience to detail what rigging I actually need to buy and how to set it up, so I can get my PK78 sailing, I would be extremely grateful!

Thanks again in advance for all the great support out there in the forum!

Alex

[jacquesmm]

Many builders have bought a used Optimist rig. They are inexpensive, easy to find and you don;t have to guess what to use.
The rig is made of two 'sticks" and there is no hardware: use knots. See the sprit rig diagram that you received with the plans.
For the sheet size (no ropes on a boat), get them thick enough to be easy on the hand but light enough to move in light wind. That usually means 5/16.

[Alex44]

Thank you Jacques!
If you don't mind, can you speak to the use of a 'snooter' and blocks? In pictures of the optimist rigging and others, I notice a block on the mast and tied to the stern for the mainsheet.
Also, forgive my ignorance, I don't quite understand where the mainsheet comes in to play; In photos of the PK78 I see a block that seems to be attached to a sheet that terminates on either end of the stern. I don't understand where the control comes in to play? i.e, how do you tighten/loosen the mainsheet? My experience with sailing has always involved a boom to which the mainsheet was attached and a pully system where I could tighten and loosen.
Again, you'll have to pardon my ignorance. I realize that these questions must sound silly to experienced sailors.

Many thanks,

Alex

[Charlie]

Here's a picture of my snotter and block.
http://gallery.bateau2.com/displayimage ... play_media
It looks a little haphazard but it's been in use for about 8 years now. That's athumb cleat that holds it up. And the block, in this case, is hardware store pulley.
Since there is no boom on the bottom of the sail, the sheet (rope) has to be attached to the lower corner of the sail. And there has to be something to pull against to spread the sail. That's called a "sheet horse". It's another rope that's tied to these two holes in the transom.
http://gallery.bateau2.com/displayimage ... play_media.
There' has to be a lot of slack in this rope because it controls the angle of the sheet. If the sheeting angle is wrong you won't get all the wrinkles out of the sail.
I don't have good picture of the sheet and horse in action so this will have to do.
http://gallery.bateau2.com/displayimage ... play_media
The sheet comes from the sail past my head on the left, goes around the sheet horse and goes foreward over my right shoulder to my hand. So I'm steering with my left hand and hanginging on to the sail with my right. In this case I was very busy trying to land on a small beach and the wind kept blowing me right past my mark.
Here's a picture that shows how the sheet horse is tied to the transom.
http://gallery.bateau2.com/displayimage ... play_media
You can't see it but there is a steel ring laced onto the horse to keep the ropes from fraying.

[Alex44]

Charlie,

Wow! Extremely Helpful! Thank you very much for taking the time for your detailed reply!
Thanks to you and members like you, I can now properly rig my PK78!

Alex