Clew block for reefing main

[sailboy21]

Sorry to start a new thread on the well worn subject of reefing..but I have been googling and searching for at least an hour now and haven't found what I am thinking of

I remember reading about blocks that can be sewn in ? to the clew of a new construction main to aid in reefing. I seem remember the manufacturer wasn't one of the big ones. Anyone know?

If not, anyone have a good solution for blocks to attach to the clew?

[sailingdog]

Sailboy-

Blocks aren't generally attached to the clew or leech of a sail. Occasionally, small blocks will be attached to the reefing cringles to lower the amount of friction in the reefing system. However, I'm not a big fan of them, since they can chafe the sail near the cringles.

[sailboy21]

I don't like the idea of blocks either, however the product I saw served as a replacement to the cringle, probably less weight too.. Just can't remember! Had a backing piece which was somehow fixed to the clew, and incorporated a sheave somehow.

[gershel]

What you saw was being developed Martin Van Breems, the inventor of the Dutchman. I was also interested in that reefing system, but after speaking with him several times, it seems that he's given up on it.
Marc

[sailboy21]

Found it on another forum! Here is what I was thinking of:


Anyone have it?

[sailingdog]

Those blocks are kind cool.... I can see why you might want them.

[gershel]

Antal also makes reef block that's interesting.

http://www.marineware.com/pdf/antal/...ReefBlocks.pdf

Marc

[gershel]

Sorry, meant to send clew block.

http://www.marineware.com/pdf/antal/...ClewBlocks.pdf

Marc

[Sasha_V]

Ummm...the smallest block is for boats up to 60feet and uses a 50mm sheave running 14mm rope...I am not ure many of us here would need ot go up to the MEDIUM size!

[burnhad]

What is it about reefing a mainsail that makes a clew block necessary?