West Coast Sailing is your source for 505 sailboat parts and accessories. The 505 has A powerful sail plan and easy-to-adjust rig that can be adjusted while racing ensures this challenging doublehanded trapeze dinghy performs superbly—from 30 knot smokers to light-air breezes. Designed in 1954 by Englishman John Westell, the 5o5’s sail plan and hull shape are strictly controlled, but rigging layout, spars, and the foils are more liberal, allowing the boat to be set up in a number of ways to suit racing preferences. Physically demanding in a breeze, most combined crew weights average around 340 lb.
Use the diagram below to reference Harken part numbers to appropriate application on your 505 sailboat. Parts recommendations are offered as a guide for common applications.
To get the most out of the 5o5 in lighter air, teams have begun to pull the boom to windward. Pulling the mainsheet bridle across is now an additional step you need to master. This simple system helps makes it easier to have perfect tacks. There is nothing to cleat or uncleat. As you roll tack, pull the center of the bridle control line where it crosses the centerboard trunk. When you get to the new high side, you'll find the bridle is now offset on the windward side. Friction contributed by the bridle's travel over the side tank, combined with the tension from the shockcord between the two T-18 blocks in the back, lock it into its new position. The system is easily adjustable as hand tension will overcome the shockcord and that friction.
Gybing the 5o5 has never been easier now that most boats are running two poles. To begin the gybe, pull one of the two pole-out lines (cleated under the gooseneck on a pivoting exit block) until the inboard end hits the mast. When it's time to gybe, simply uncleat that pole-out to snap the pole back into place alongside the boom. Then gybe the boom, give the new weather pole-out line a pull, and you're off and running.
The 5o5 rig is highly adjustable, allowing the boat to perform at optimum speed in all conditions. For more shroud tension, the crew pulls a single line and both shrouds tighten equally. Top teams are also attaching Small Boat traveler cars to the shrouds. The cars mount to tracks on the rail, allowing the shrouds to be eased to get the mast tip further forward for extra drive on the runs.
Diagram provided by Harken. West Coast Sailing is an approved seller of Harken sailboat hardware.
General Parts & Hardware - We offer a huge selection of General Parts including hardware, blocks, cleats, shackles, accessories and more here.
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