Hi All, 

My NSM4 has the Laser style mainsheet assembly and I'd like to convert it back to the hoop setup. 

The boat originally had a hoop rig with the mounting holes and groove where the hoop sits. I guess I wont be able to fit a square hoop so just looking to put back what was there originally as I cant really get along with the existing arrangement.

Also looking for a Mast strut with levers etc, similar to http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/view_photo.asp?folder=gallery/rigging_guide/hog_stepped_rig&file=mast_ram.jpg

Theres a groove cut in the foredeck where the mast strut lever used to sit and again, would like to re-instate this if possible.

Many Thanks

you can still buy round hoops from chandlers, i think they are about £30 to £40 for an aluminium one.

If the mounting holes are 25mm ish then it was probably a stainless steel one as found in RS400s though an 400 one may be a little short.

Why not go for the Square top hoop if you are changing back to the hoop, as this will be as effective as the split Mainsheet for centreing the boom upwind.

I didnt think the square top hoop would fit. The grooves are cut at an angle for what looks like the round top hoop.

Hi Jon,

I think you would be OK with a square hoop. I once had an NSM 2 which had a stainless hoop with angled fixing points in the thwart. A square hoop from (Winders) fitted very well. The best thing to do would be to take the measurements and give them to someone like Guy Winder or a metal fabricator and get them to make you a square hoop. You can then either fit it out yourself i.e. traveller blocks etc or get them to do it, (expensive though). Alternatively you could contact someone like Rowesell + Morrison. A few years back they made a stainless round top hoop for me for an old Smokers didn't cost alot either.

I do also recall a couple of years ago seeing a stainless hoop hanging up in Laurie Smarts workshop looking very lonely and redundant so it might be worth giving Laurie a call as well as it might still be there and he may well be happy to part with it!

As for mast ram, well these are as rare as hens teeth! Personally I would stick with what you have got, hog step with lowers as in effect the lowers are only doing what a mast struct would do. The only thing I would say is that make sure the lowers are adjustable either via purchase or stay adjuster. I may stand corrected but lowers on a hog stepped mast is a little unusual but there must be a reason. I believe the boat was owned by Mr Leney at one stage so he may be able to advice.

sorry.....Steve Leany

I'll give Steve a shout re the mast ram and lowers, hadnt really wanted to bother him up to now as there was at least one owner between him and me. (Maybe he still has the original hoop !)

It would be good to be able to "travel up" to centre the boom upwind so I'll also check out the square hoop options.

Thanks very much for all your advice - extremely helpful!

Cheers, John

Jon

you had me worried for a minute when I noticed that your username had dropped one diget to 3403!

Finger trouble - guilty as charged ! 

Only possible excuse is that my user account at work has very similar number in it, 34303.

Had a great response from this thread, thank you to all that replied to the thread and directly to my email address. I'm pretty sure I've replied to everyone, huge apologies if I havent.

Fingers crossed I should be sorted soon !