b10alia
New Member
Simple question: Is it worth the effort to replace the early bridle with the later design which can slide?
Slightly deeper:
I've been enjoying my early '70s Sunfish this summer, but I'm always looking for things I could improve. Been thinking about new lines (current ones are about 15 years old but not not used much and stored inside).
One of the issues I have with the boat is that the tiller jams in the bridle in some circumstances. I've also wondered why the bridle doesn't let the mainsheet slide back and forth. Looking at SunfishDirect, there were two setups, one with the center loop (which I have) and one with just the anchor loops (the later style).
I think the later style of bridle would let the mainsheet slide like I think it should, although it looks like I'd have to drill out rivets. I do have three access ports, two either side of the daggerboard trunk and one port near the rudder bracket. I think I have the older style of hull construction (marked AMF/Alcort, lip under the cockpit edge, originally had old-style rudder mount but was converted before I got it) if this matters. It's a few bucks of hardware and a new clip for the mainsheet otherwise.
Is this worth the effort to do? I think it would help the sail shape a little bit but I think the improvements overall would be minor.
Slightly deeper:
I've been enjoying my early '70s Sunfish this summer, but I'm always looking for things I could improve. Been thinking about new lines (current ones are about 15 years old but not not used much and stored inside).
One of the issues I have with the boat is that the tiller jams in the bridle in some circumstances. I've also wondered why the bridle doesn't let the mainsheet slide back and forth. Looking at SunfishDirect, there were two setups, one with the center loop (which I have) and one with just the anchor loops (the later style).
I think the later style of bridle would let the mainsheet slide like I think it should, although it looks like I'd have to drill out rivets. I do have three access ports, two either side of the daggerboard trunk and one port near the rudder bracket. I think I have the older style of hull construction (marked AMF/Alcort, lip under the cockpit edge, originally had old-style rudder mount but was converted before I got it) if this matters. It's a few bucks of hardware and a new clip for the mainsheet otherwise.
Is this worth the effort to do? I think it would help the sail shape a little bit but I think the improvements overall would be minor.