I've been going through the rigging on our poles recently and I've noticed that there's a short section of chain (3' or 4'), then a section of rope (10'), and finally a long section of chain leading to the stabilizer itself. I've noticed a lot of other boats are rigged the same way.
What's the point of having the few feet of chain high up where it attaches to the pole?
salmontroll
2008-04-24 07:39:55
Thats the traditional Canadian stabilizer rigging. You have a few feet of chain that goes from the pole to a steel ring then line to the stabilizer. the ring is attached both forward on the boat and to the stabilizer, The forward stay helps to not create too much strain on the pole, the line to the stabilizer is usually part double braid nylon that cushions the pull of the stabilizer and then chain to help in the ease of pulling the stabilizers in.
Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the explanation.
tacorajim
2008-04-25 01:44:50
I concur . . . except for using double braided nylon. It can't stretch like 3-strand to mellow your stabie's pull. Sure. It'll last longer, but there will be more pole strain, strain on forward stay, and a few microseconds quicker into your next roll.
Salty
2008-04-25 13:14:55
I switched from cable to stainless chain a couple of years ago. So much easiar on the hands, easiar to store, and no worry about crimps eventually failing.