Adjustable toestrap and adjustable lowers

[Roger617_old]

Toestrap: I would like an adjustable toestrap for two reasons. One, a two-setting strap (beat and reach) worked well on my Laser. Two, it would help while I'm getting used to the boat.
I've looked at the white plastic cleat on Paul's boat (1025). As the U-bolt is in a different location, it might not work on my boat (1022). I've looked at Clamcleat's Q-Lok; cheap and simple but limited to 3-4mm rope. Is it bombproof? I've also looked at Clamcleat's trapeze cleat CL 253(and been a happy user). Are there any Mk2 sailors that have any good or bad experiences to offer?
Either way, it has to be adjustable without moving too far aft.

Lowers: Fully adjustable lowers would be a step way too far for me. However, at 65kg I have been thinking about Fast Pins. I used them on my Vortex and convinced myself that they were useful. Worth a go or do people set the lowers and leave them?

All being well I will be at Blithfield (this time with boat), if that's relevant.

Roger

[Barry2312_old_old]

Adjustable toe straps.

I'm in a Giles Mk1 and I use one of the trapeze cam cleats with the defautl position is up wind (big knot). I have a tubing handle to pull it in for down wind stuff. Works well.

Adjustable Lowers. Tim Le Mare, Richard Pakes and Phil East have/are using them. The set up can be a bit Heath Robinson. I was sceptical at first (more string) - but am beginning to come around to the idea - which is basically having mask rake but without the fall off because of the mast leaning over.

Hopefully there will be boats with the set up at Blithfield.

I'll be there Friday and Saturday - though I have a wedding function to go on the Friday night.

Barry
SN464

[CliffMilliner_old]

Toe Straps: I just use some spiceable rope (Marlow Excel i think). Bowline at the toe strap, back through the u bolt then pass back through the Excel with a bobble. Gives some simple adjustment, but not the easiest on the water. Crossing your feet off wind under the toe strap works well for me.

Lowers: I think adjustable lowers are a nice to have when you've nailed everything else! I can't think of many times ive wanted to adjust mine on the water. I have Fast pins and the stay adjusters with 2 rows of holes. I do move mine up 1/2 a hole if its really blowing. And have them 1/2 tighter with the new Jackels sail, than for my banks.

Cliff
684

[Roger617_old]

Barry and Cliff - thanks for your helpful replies. I'll try the trapeze cleat for toestraps and the fast pins for the lowers. (Adjustable lowers would be lost on me. No plans for the forseeable future.)

Barry, thanks too for the comment on arrangements for the Nationals.

Roger

[pabs_old]

Starts to get expensive if you start addeding adjustable lowers!!!! then it will be a fully adjustable then followed by one string system!!!!! Over a grand for this on the Merlins apparently... I thought the Supernova was meant to be a bit more restricted?

[Simon 1072_old]

I would be very grateful if someone could please post some details - ideally pics - of the adjustable lowers system(s) that are apparently now in use.
Thanks.

[Simon 1072_old]

Sorry - should have added that my fast pins in the lowers went a bit too fast - i.e. they were nicked is Southampton. Will be taking the replacements home if i manage to remember!

[Devil in Disguise_old]

Hi Simon,

Please let me have your email address and I will send you some photos over.

Regards

Rich

[Simon 1072_old]

Many thanks Rich.
Please use the address below, written this way to hopefuly confuse the "web bots" - replace caps for "normal" web address.
robinsATgolantDOTfsworldDOTcoDOTuk

[blaze535_old]

Hi Simon,

Please let me have your email address and I will send you some photos over.

Regards

Rich

Hi Could somebody send me a photo or instructions on how to fit adjustable lowers, Cheers Alan s/n 1019

[Simon 1072_old]

Sorry - can't help as I don't have any info at all. I have been a bit distracted lately and have not followed this up.

I read somewhere, on here or the class site, that the new boats have them fitted by Hartleys, apparently as standard?

I'm sure someone will be able to post.

[blaze535_old]

Sorry - can't help as I don't have any info at all. I have been a bit distracted lately and have not followed this up.

I read somewhere, on here or the class site, that the new boats have them fitted by Hartleys, apparently as standard?

I'm sure someone will be able to post.

Thanks Simon, if anyone has a new boat with adjustable lowers a photo would be handy, Cheers

[Barry2312_old_old]

There seem to be a variety of flavours of adjustable lowers, but by far the best is the set up on Paul Undrells brand new 1060. These look similar to the phantom set up with the lines going up to the front of the boat then back.

They will all be away at Bartley, but I'll see if I can get a camera and take some pics when they and I are back at Haversham - might be a week or so though.

Barry

[blaze535_old]

Just converted my lowers to adjustable, If you follow this link i have taken some photos http://imgur.com/a/AXbaO

Here is one of them:

[Simon 1072_old]

That's very interesting, and very useful too; I'm sure others will be pleased as well.
Could you perhaps post something about design/materials etc please?
e.g. is this your own design or...

Some feed back on effectiveness would be helpful too.

Thanks