I was thinking Taipan daggerboard covers would fit pretty good. Wouter, do you have a Blade nearby to compare board dimensions? and rudder?

The ring and hook system works perfectly once you get it set up right. You have to experiment a lot with the many different ways the halyard can be tied to the ring. There's usually one combination that will work.
I would pull the sail up, then get the Blade on it's side and get someone to pull on the halyard while you experiment at the top of the mast.

I use a slide inside the mast track which is attached to the ring with some shock cord to pull the ring towards the mast(and hence the hook) a bit. Has worked 100% since installation. Always hooks-up when hoisting and releases when lowering.

The slide is actually one of those universal joint spacers for round tillers. Shock cord just goes through the existing holes and around the ring.

Dimensions are very much the same, the Blade daggerboards are just a little longer. I think the Taipan covers will work.

Wouter

Hi Tau,

I wouldn't use a halyard that locks at base of mast, you are adding compression loads to the mast you just don't need. A bit of persistence with the lock at the top is all that is required, once you get it sorted it is right for ever more. I use a push up luff which is said to be even more difficult than the halyard, but with persistence it now works well.

Regards Gary. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I don't think that a steel cable can handle the F16 loads, never mind the sheeve at the top.

On a F16 you can easily pull with 500 kg = 1100 lbs on the halyard ring and hook. I've broken two halyard shackles already and now sail with a beefed up Taipan 5.7 halyard shackle. This one is holding. There is no way any sheeve up the mast can hold that as it will be under twice this 500 kg load = 1000 kg = 2200 lbs.

Personally I have no troubles at all with my ring and hook system ones I tweaked it right. How you tie the halyard to the ring is indeed very important. There is a lengthy post about this in this F16 forum. I think it was covered about a year back. Look for it.

With regard to the 1:12 internal downhaul, get it. Best upgrade in the package

Wouter

There's nothing easier than an old (or new if you'd like) pair of pants. Just slide a blade into each leg. You can take a few stitches here or there to make a custom fit or close the ankle.

A stylish white belt and you're into the Florida retirement scene! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

That's the bomb man ,Groovy babe' Yeh! Start cutting wet suits there is no end in sight for this. My vote for "Mr. Recycle " of the Month............ <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

About the ring/hook system.
Placement of the top grommet in your mainsail and shape of the ring is critical to make it work. We have two shackles where the ring is of different sizes. Either one works perfectly with one mainsail, but are useless on others. It might be that you should try a different size ring. Was a success for us.

I had trouble getting the ring off until I bought one of those "Aussie Halyard Rings" which has the little tie loop on the inside of the ring, off to the side a bit, instead of the outside top of the ring. I pass the halyard through, tie a stopper knot on the outside and it has worked great ever since.

Also, I make sure I park the boat at a slight angle to the wind, maybe 20-30 degrees off dead up wind, to hold the main to one side of the boat, then rotate the mast in the other direction, it seems to help get the ring off the hook. I've been getting it unhooked the first try with the new halyard ring where it used to take me 4-5 attempts with the old one.