I was talking with a new Alioth owner today and the subject of what sized ball to use on the alternative jib pivot. I've found a source of suitable stainless steel balls with a drilling through the centre. Questions are:
1. do we have any experience of reliability using plastic balls.
2. What failure modes have people experienced.
3. Has anyone found a nylon ball as an alternative.
Sorry, I am late here Paul. As I posted in the FB group I have been using this and its "ok". Watch out for line chafing on slot, the beads need to be "tough", I have used hard and then glass and they have shattered. A printed piece would be possible, the force would be largely compressing on layers - I hadn't thought of that. The insert/removal using just string is not easy to get in and out with just string either IMHO, I now have stay wire bent to a SS swivel from a tackle store at the jib boom pivot point. A plastic fitting may be a good solution though.
Hi I've been talking with Hubb, the designer and originator of the jib slot, and he's given me the stl to use with our Alioth boats. How do you think we should integrate it with the jib strut. It uses a 4mm diameter 3mm high magnetic cylinder with a 1mm hole through the centre. The cylindrical void is filled with a steel rod - which the magnet is attracted to - makes it easy to fit. It's exactly the same implementation in the K2 and it doesn't fail. The top surface might need modifying.
Hi Paul, I can adapt the Huub design to the Alioth if necessary, just need some time for drawing.
Hi Juan, I've just sent you the file by email
Warm regards Paul