I have obtained the original spinnaker and sock for my F30 (it had been in the POs storage) but it is missing the lines and rigging. That said, I have a collection of blocks I found on the boat that I think constitute the hardware. I’d be interested if there is a resource or if anyone could detail the setup and the required lines and lengths of said lines so I could assemble the compete spinnaker set up.
Here is a superb write up by Rick Simmonds re gunmount rigging and handling, includes photos.
https://www.freedomyachts.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=8551
I was same as you, bought a rig from a fellow with an F32. I am in an F30 but dimensions are close between the two. Learned all about it from Rick’s write up.
There are a lot of lines so practice/tweaking was definitely necessary in my case.
The toughest part for me was sorting out the set and douse via the basket attached to pulpit and feeding into sock on deck. I made a sock out of excess sunbrella I had in storage but a very slippery material would be better. I ran into fabric sticksion which added unnecessary difficulty. I Would also like to build more of a solid funnel at the pulpit as opposed to lashing the end of the sock to create an open mouth for the spinny up/down.
Also, the gunmount/pole make a fantastic preventer for the jib (and the main in lighter air) so the mount is very useful beyond the spinnaker.
That’s a great process break down. I didn’t see any pictures though? Are you aware of any line dimensions?
My sock has a rigid frame to keep it open -I’m not sure it was the stock set up or just how mine was made.
I own a 1984 32’, and have also been looking for more photos and details for rigging the specs for the GunMount. Having a hard time finding anything. I see a lot of posts pointing to Rick Simond’s awesome writeup, but never any accompanying images. Would be handy. This is the most useful diagram I have yet found.
Freedom GunMount SpinOuthaul.pdf (108 KB)
Oh man, sorry about that. I saw your follow on “no photos” months ago and did not respond.
I have a doc with some photos. I thought I got it from this site but don`t know where. I will go down to the boat and bring my rigging manual up to scan the doc for you. Hopefully the pics will survive the scanning, they will be third generation at that point.
Btw the rigging dwg. You posted is awesome! I`ll put a copy of that in my manual too.
I figured I would try photos of the pages to avoid scanner clarity loss. Lets see how i works.
The doc is not signed and I forgot who gave them to me so major credit to that unknown author. The Rick Simmonds doc is a separate article I believe.
I numbered the pages so you can sort them out.
here is page 5, trying to load page 1 in next msg
finally, here s page 1
By the way, did you have to retrofit a gunmount compatible pulpit?
I had to do that and it was a major PIA, including getting the thing here to Cali from a “part out” F30 on the East Coast. What a hoot that was!
I got on Craigslist and found a couple in Maryland who were driving West. Hired them to bring the pulpit in their - get this - Subaru Imprezia. Somehow they squeezed it into the back seat area of the car. It was hilarious, when they arrived the inside of the car was a cloud of pot smoke. But, by God, Cheech and Chong delivered my pulpit safely. I gave them a big tip and sent them on their way before the cops showed up.
Installing it was another exciting piece of work.
This Freedom ownership thing has been a multifaceted adventure, that is for sure.
One more thing. If you need a spinnaker “launch sleeve” on deck.
I purchased an industrial sewing machine about two years ago and have gotten reasonably proficient with fabrication. I did my own covers for sails, hatches and companionway, etc. Canvas fabricators have gotten ridiculously expensive and I wanted to do my own thing anyway. This way I can design stuff myself and if I screw up, no biggie, just get out the seam ripper. I am far from an expert but I do alright.
Anyway, I currently have a sleeve made out of sunbrella and there is too much sticktion when the fabric is wet. I am thinking of trying another as yet unknown slippery fabric to make it easier to hoist and douse from the sleeve. If anyone is interested in collaborating on a design I can sew a prototype. PM me if anyone would be interested.
Sorry about my babbling but you spinnaker people may be interested,
Those white hooks you see sitting atop the midships pulpit in the photos are used to support the spinnaker pole. I have one port and starboard depending on where I want the weight. I’ll stow it to windward on long tacks (very long tacks). They are a carbon layup and just fit right over the top of the pulpit so almost all weight is directed straight down on the base of the pulpit. This set up is pretty sturdy.
Awesome, Mike! Thanks for taking the time.
I’m going to start compiling a guide, I’ve compiled and formatted your pics, Simonds’ write up and some drawings & diagrams. Eventually, I’ll add hi-res pix and a youtube video… so this is the initial gathering. If anyone has more on this please keep it coming.
Great that you have the sewing machine up and running. Very inspiring! Look out what you offer on a forum ; )
Thanks!
Freedom Gun Mount System.pdf (10 MB)