Hi All,
It's coming to that part of year where the boat is wrapped up warm in the garage, so Sundays tend to be reserved for thinking of new bits of go faster string.
This year I am looking at the twin pole system. Not fully convinced with having the 'guy' running all the through the pole (as with the P&B) system as I think there is way too much friction in the system. My other options seem to be using the pole downhaul, as I have seen with some systems. I have seen it called a 'snodger'. Has anyone got any experience with this sort of setup, what are the pro's and con's with it. Do you loose the ability to be able to raise and lower the pole?
Any thoughts would help.

Many Thanks

JJ

Go for the Musketeer "one for all" system. One line for everything: pulls tack to pole-end and launches pole; and *no puller or snodger required*. 

Photos here: http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/default.asp?folder=gallery/building_and_repairs/genii_design_2012

Keith Callaghan's diagrams here: http://www.bluelightning.co.uk/Merlins/SHABAZZLE%20spi%20pole%20system%202012.pdf

Call Jon Turner on 07712 436745.

D'oh! 'Live' link here.

And here:

Thanks Richard
I have seen and used this system a fair bit, and don't like it. It has a tendency to strip rope and there is allot of friction.
I want to reduce the amount of friction in the system to enable me to do something creative + faster with the pole launching system

Can someone show a diagram or explain what a Snodger actually is for me...?

Is it just a pole downhaul or is there more to the system?

Does this "Musketeer System" need a downhaul as well? Or can you just position the Guy mushroom/reaching hooks far enough forward to prevent the pole lifting?

Can someone show a diagram or explain what a Snodger actually is for me...?

Is it just a pole downhaul or is there more to the system?

Does this "Musketeer System" need a downhaul as well? Or can you just position the Guy mushroom/reaching hooks far enough forward to prevent the pole lifting?

Gareth, there are a number of ways you can rig a 'Snodger' (downhaul), from simple down-haul string to a more complex 'self launching' pole system which has the snodger integrated.  There are quite a few pics on the technical pictures area of the website, but the best thing to do is go to a Merlin venue and look at the systems in detail to decide what is best for your boat and your crew's competence.  You will find us all a friendly bunch usually happy to show off our toys! The snodger is critical to setting the pole quickly and getting the pole at the right angle to flare the spinnaker to suit conditions and angle of reach etc so best to get his right!

To answer part of your original question; you raise and lower the pole height by having an adjustable uphaul.

OK

Starting to make sense. 

I unfortunately probably wont get a chance to perv on the fleet and their solutions too much prior to installation as I am hoping to get the boat up and running before January. Unless anyone is racing in the solent area in the next few weeks?

Looking at most system designs, photos of boats sailing etc, everyone also has a downhaul of some description to stop the pole skying, whether this is adjustable or elastic..!

Is anyone actually not using a downhaul to any success?

Gareth, the Snodger is the pole downhaul. My 'common system' is an adjustable uphaul at the foot of the mast(running up the mast) with the downhaul (snodger) running twin lines to the end of the poles with a ring through which the guy runs. This is pulled on once the pole is up fixing it at your desired height.

The white rope with the blue twin lines running through the white ring (elastic tail away) is the snodger which is then run down each side to the centre console on later boats or to the back of the case on the earlier ones. Some have a single line just under the foredeck for the crew to deal with.

Hope that helps. Have a look thought the photo galeries, there is loads of helpful photos for the rig.

Gareth,

Both lou & I (...plus Nigel & Suzie) are out pretty much every sunday at LTSC. Pop down and have a look at the systems if you want. Reading some of the comments on here Lou might be able to fill in some of the background to the bilge keel comments etc etc....she had the pleasure of steering the MROA committee through this very exciting period of rule communication. Probably best discussed over a beer rather than on here for fear of flaming and old threads being repeated / opened up once more!

Cheers Mark.

Cheers mark

Ill pop down sunday

I wonder if I should have bought another Contender - they're so simple.....

Don't start that one Andy!

JohnJack
You must have been looking at an old implementation or a cheap copy.  The proper musketeer system does not strip rope and has less friction than other pull-string launch systems.