Control lines through deck

[RoyB]

This may not strictly speaking be a rigging question but I know someone here can point me in the right direction.

For a 31 foot frac rigged asymmetric inshore race boat I am considering running the new two ended backstay controls under deck and out again near the traveller. The reason is to avoid more stuff underfoot for the helmsperson to trip over in the cockpit.

The only sticking point is that I don't know the best way to seal up the penetrations so that 3/16 spectra double braid can pass through with a minimum of moisture.

The cockpit is always dry except for spray, rainy days and boatwashing. The boat doesn't go offshore so oceangoing seaworthiness isn't mandated. If I do have penetrations in the deck I'll make some quick-install protective covers that are truly waterproof just in case.

I know that nothing I can fabricate will be completely waterproof . I've considered making some tightish leather or rubber seals with rope-sized openings.

Surely there's a correct way to do this?

[Brian Duff]

I would think that bringing the b/s lead below deck with a suitable deck block placed so that some cover can be provided by a folding seat, or perhaps a clamshell vent or even a piece of structure, shaped to keep rain water from running into it. That would be enough for inshore use.
Off shore use, just lead the lines below deck and out again with either upright deck blocks or thru-deck blocks, and box them in to drain overboard ( or cut a channel and cover it with a deck plate and screws) .
You might also consider trying, as you mentioned, a piece of hard rubber with a X/16" in it hold installed over the thru-deck block, that may work well. Watch how the angle will change as the height of you bridle block changes, make sure what ever you build leads fair and still does its job of keeping the bulk of water out.
Have fun !

[osteoderm]

Have you considered a molding to cover the lines, rather than run them below decks? You'd avoid the whole water-penetration issue, and triangular-cross-sectioned covers, suitably fastened and non-skidded, could provide good athwartships traction, rather than be a a line rolling underfoot.

[Brent B]

The lastest two builders of Jet-14 racing dinghys run the spinnaker sheets through the flotation tanks using plastic pipe glassed in place at the exits. It's a nice clean solution with no friction.

Brent
Benson Sails