Spreader rake adjustment

Hi all,

Saw the recent post in regards to diamond wire tension which brings up another question; what seems to be the ideal spreader rake? Was reading about this subject in my 18 performance manual and according to Phil Berman, there should be 3 different adjustments on the spreader arms. Mine only had two holes drilled in them which were very close together not allowing for much adjustment. I realize it depends on conditions and crew weight but what seems to be the ideal position for the spreaders? Do I need to drill additional holes in the arms?

Thanks,

Thomas
H18 Magnum "Windraider"

We sail close to minimum crew weight in moderate to heavy air. I'm taking a tip from an accomplished 18 team (similar weight) that sailed with the mast upright (little or no rake) and spreader arms forward.

This somewhat flies in the face of what Phil says, but it works for us. We have the 8:1 downhaul to depower upwind and forward rake helps downwind speed.

Our two cents.

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

John, get your a## over to the 20 forum where you belong!

Ya, check it out, what's up with the 20 forum, there's like nothing happening. You and I could share all the things we DON'T know about barberhaulers!

Just keeping close to the action

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hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

Barberwhat? Barberino? Barberela?

Back in my H18 days the wisdom was to rake the spreaders back as far as you could. I am pretty sure that drilling extra holes was forbidden in the class rules.

Tiger Mike