single-line reefing installation

[sailhog]

I'm trying to figure out the best approach to installing a single-line reefing system, but without the line running through (inside) the boom. I want to know if the following work: A bowline is tied to the boom; the line then runs straight up to the reefing clew, then down and aft to a cheek block on the port side of the boom; the the line is then run forward to another cheek block at the tack end of the boom, and then up through the tack reefing point, and then down to the spinnaker winch. Is this do-able? Is it unsightly? Unseamanlike?

[BarryL]

Hello,

That should work. It's very similar to the system I had on my last boat, a Newport 28.

Harken shows you how to do it:

http://www.harken.com/rigtips/reefing.php

Good luck,
Barry

[sailingdog]

Sailhog-

While that would work, I would recommend that you go with a two-line reefing setup, rather than a single line system. A two-line reefing setup allows you to control the tension on the clew and tack independently, giving you the ability to flatten the reefed sail a bit better than a single line system would. Single line reefing also requires a very long line, and leaves a lot of slack around the cockpit, where the shorter two-line reefing lines are easier to stow....some call it a wash.. you have two lines instead of one much longer line. Finally, the tack of the sail generally needs to be tightened/tensioned first, to protect the luff of the mainsail from being exposed to higher than normal point loads. At least this was the argument brought up by one sail loft, and one I thought was worth listening to. You can read the original post at the sail loft's website, here.

[sailaway21]

And, I believe Harken makes kits for both single and double line reefing. I know for sure that they make two size kits for single line reefing. Couple hundred bucks or so, but the hardware is very nice, the instructions excellent, and they are adjustable. I felt it was worth the money.

[T34C]

I have used a very similar system in the past. I would recommend moving the forward cheek block from the boom to the mast. This allows you to better tension the tack of the sail as SD- mentioned. Additionally remember to use blocks a size or two larger than what you think you need as it will make the line much easier to handle and reef much easier.

[Giulietta]

Very important advise....

And above all, once reefed DO NOT FORGET to release out haul!!!!!!



Now what your'e looking for.

Here is a stupid simple system that allows triming....with 2 lines



And another stupid simple system with one line...only requires you put a foot block at the mast!! This is the one you want, right? (the above is better)

[sailingdog]

Well, it looks like most of us agree that a two-line reefing system is the way to go.. Nice sketches Giu...

Also, on a two-line reefing system, set the tack reefing line first...then do the clew reefing line. Doing it this way will avoid loading the sail slugs along the lower portion of the luff and possibly damaging them.

[Pamlicotraveler]

My strategy....send the wife forward before the storm drifts in 2 lines and 2 or 3 reef points is a lot of lines in the cockpit and a lot of blocks etc...It doesn't take long to slab reef and its just a few steps out of the cockpit...fewer lines, fewer doglegs and angles, less confusion.

[TrueBlue]

Of course there's always the other type of single line, jiffy-reefing system, with reefing hooks mounted at the tack end - shown not reefed in this photo:



The single blue line, shown just beneath the boom, runs through a turning sheave, then internally through the boom, turning through another end sheave, up to a reef clew, then down to a boom mounted cleat.

About as "stupid-simple" as you can get.

[pigslo]

I suppose the argument for 2 lines as opposed to 2 is less friction and work since the load is split?
pigslo