MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Twin Poles

Im struggling like hell trying to set my twin poles up any one have any diagrams or photos they can send me i have a NSM 4 any help would be gratefully recieved.


Posted: 13/11/2005 19:55:48
By: Russ Hopkins
Richard Turners photos are quite comprehensive, see the gallery (link below).

I cant remember if you've told us where you are, but the usual question is of course - where are you, and why not visit a local club to have a look at the merlins there? The staff are most helpful!

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/default.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/3489

Posted: 14/11/2005 09:28:37
By: Mags
Mags,
I'm a Member of Tewkesbury Sailing Club (Gloucestershire near Cheltenham) I have them kind of set up but dont have any Spini downhall, only Barba hallers (If thats how you spell it) Is this correct ? Ps Mags any joy with the rudder pictures ?


Posted: 14/11/2005 20:56:03
By: Russ Hopkins
Why not come over and pay us a visit at Banbury SC and you can see several different set ups including the one that Mags has put the photos up from.

We are sailing each Sunday until 18th December at 11.30 & 1.30 - it then becomes too cold! Give me a call on 01926 812694 - I can normally do Tewskesbury from here in around 45 minutes.


Posted: 14/11/2005 22:01:35
By: RichardT
As a PS, the last thing that you want to muck about with on a river is barber haulers.


Posted: 14/11/2005 22:02:47
By: RichardT
Sounds good richard, might try and pop over merlin is going into Hibernation for winter now so no more sailing for me ? But shouldnt there be a downhall system


Posted: 14/11/2005 22:28:08
By: Russ Hopkins
Rich,  count me in for a Jolly to Tewkesbury...


Posted: 14/11/2005 22:30:51
By: Jon
The pole downhaul is called a snodger or tweaker on the Merlin. Photo at link below shows it tied to the metal ring, feeding through the nose of the pole, out a hole in the bottom, and off to a purchase under the foredeck. Its the dark rope with green fleck.

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/3489&file=3489_pole_end_out.jpg

Posted: 15/11/2005 09:13:08
By: Mags
Here's the foredeck detail.

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/3489&file=3489_mast_foot.jpg

Posted: 15/11/2005 09:13:41
By: Mags
Russ take a look at the link below.... it is your merlin sailing, you may be able to figure out the rigging of the poles from the picky..

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/open_meetings/upper_thames/2005&file=bourneendweek2005_pic2.jpg

Posted: 15/11/2005 11:17:24
By: Steve 3439
Russ

If you look at the photos on the web then Mags is correct in saying that the spinnaker downhaul is the black/green flecked rope running from the end of the pole downwards at an angle.

I put this sequence together originally to help someone else in the States and the original version with commentary can be found on http://www.centuries-before.co.uk/Spinnaker.htm. Not sure if Mags transferred all of the commentary (ie too lazy to check!).

If you do want to come over, give me a call just to check that I am around. In fact, Sunday 11th December could be a good day as I am running the racing that day so my boat will not be on the water and will have more time to talk.

Richard


Posted: 15/11/2005 12:44:19
By: RichardT
Russ we can tke a trip down if you want on the 11th


Posted: 15/11/2005 14:36:08
By: Olly
Yeah i could make sunday the 11th is your boat very similar richard (ie NSM4) COuld do with some friendly advise, i have just come from phantom class so very different


Posted: 15/11/2005 19:11:52
By: Russ Hopkins
Top tip, remember there is someone else in the boat so tell them when you tack, gybe, duck a transom...;->


Posted: 15/11/2005 21:06:29
By: AndrewM
Russ

You will soon discover that all Merlins are different even when they are same design.

I have a Tales which is deck stepped but the pole arrangement will be exactly the same. Previous boat was an NSM1, not deck stepped, yet spiny arrangement is similar. Also we have 2 other NSM4s at BSC plus an NSM 1 and a Summer Wine, all of which will be around on 11th (or at least the boats will be even if the owners are absent).

Noticed that you are also considering a square hoop. This may not be much advantage where you sail and certainly initially, would suggest that you use what you have. How adjustable is your rig ie what do you have to adjust the shrouds? Presumably, RIB also has a low bow tank which comes back to front of centreboard casing?


Posted: 16/11/2005 00:50:53
By: RichardT
I dont have any adjustable shrouds ! My brother has set them up on his albacore and swears by the. Yeah front tank is rigt to front of centre board case, why ? Think your right about square hoop, lets get used to sailing a merlin again first !!


Posted: 16/11/2005 09:20:06
By: Russ Hopkins
Russ,

Think about joining the Midland Circuit next year. You're in our motorway territory.

steve


Posted: 16/11/2005 10:38:55
By: Midland Circuit Chap
Russ

Do you not even have quadrant levers on your shrouds? You need to be able to adjust them as it allows you to more easily change the power in the rig although with a hog stepped mast, you will not get that much rake.

Having a low bow tank provides extra structural strength across the boat just at the point where the mast, etc put all the load on. Allows you to wind on more shroud tension.

Richard


Posted: 16/11/2005 18:22:49
By: RichardT
Rhapsody in Blue is probably one of the last boats fitted with highfield levers.

If it's a Rowsell boat 3375 had highfields too.


Posted: 16/11/2005 18:30:19
By: Chris
It does have highfield levers yeah, So i need to fit adjustable shrouds as well then Richard ? Anyone have any pics or a diagram of how i can do this converstion. 

Ps I cant make 11 December Richard, I'm off on holiday (As my btter half told me in a stern tone ! Will have to make it another date )


Posted: 16/11/2005 19:15:07
By: Russ Hopkins
You don't NEED to fit them, but they are useful in certain circumstances.

On restriced waters you probably won't see any differance in a hog stepped rig.


Posted: 16/11/2005 19:33:13
By: Chris
Cheers Chris wont bother then, do you own 3375 ?


Posted: 16/11/2005 22:11:28
By: Russ Hopkins
No, but i've sailed it quite a few times.

It's still at my club.


Posted: 17/11/2005 08:44:15
By: Chris
Russ

Agree with Chris on Highfield levers - you will see little advantage on your water.

You are welcome over on another Sunday but obviously do not have as much time as we have two races at 11.30 and 13.30 each of which lasts around 75 minutes.

Cheers

Richard


Posted: 17/11/2005 14:43:31
By: RichardT
Some of us finish them in an hour though.


Posted: 17/11/2005 15:53:50
By: Jon
haha


Posted: 17/11/2005 19:21:35
By: Russ Hopkins

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