Advice on Reefing System

phallo153 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

Looking for advice on best way to rig reefing points. I added a new full-batten, loose foot mainsail this past summer to my Pearson 27. The previous (original) sail was a closed foot, with one reefing point about 48" up from the foot, set up for single line reefing from the cockpit. It worked, but there was a lot of friction. The other problem with this system is that to release the outhaul, one had to go to the mast anyway.

Original system - I have first reef point rigged like this for now:

Due to a misunderstanding the reef point was put in at about 32" instead of 48", so I just had them add another point at around 64". I've temporarily rigged the first point with the single line system, but would like recommendations on how best to rig both points. I primarily single-hand, daysailing and overnighting. After searching through the forum on this topic, I'm thinking reef hooks at the tack, and two lines - one for each reef point - at the clew; the line would run from the boom up to the cringle, down to a cheek block on the boom, then forward to a cleat near the tack so I could reef either point at the mast.

New sail; first reef point visible, second reef point was added later above first batten:

Lancer28 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

I have some ideas from a setup I received from members here... need to have pictures to explain it all- I'll dig them up.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

That design is going to have a lot of extra unnecessary friction in it...making reefing the sail securely tough... also, depending on what line you're using, it's going to have a fair amount of stretch, making it hard to reef properly. Finally, it's gonna take a fairly long time for you to haul all of that line in to reef.

You'd be much better off with a two line reefing system, since you've basically got all the pieces you need for it except the second line.

Might need a few more foot blocks and line clutches.

A two-line reefing system is usually faster and gives you far more control over the shape of the reefed sail. It also sets the reefed sail up better. You can read about why this is HERE.

soulesailor · #4 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by phallo153

After searching through the forum on this topic, I'm thinking reef hooks at the tack, and two lines - one for each reef point - at the clew; the line would run from the boom up to the cringle, down to a cheek block on the boom, then forward to a cleat near the tack so I could reef either point at the mast.

This is exactly how I have the reefing system set up on my boat. It was the simplest system I could come up with and it works well. The only thing I am going to change for next season is my topping lift. Currently it goes from the boom to the masthead and down the mast to a cleat. I am going to run it from the masthead back to the stern quarter and through a block and cam. This will allow me to slack my mainsheet and pull up on my topping lift from the cockpit before I go to the mast to reef, saving me the situation of going to the mast with slack already in my mainsheet or making two trips.

phallo153 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

That design is going to have a lot of extra unnecessary friction in it...making reefing the sail securely tough... also, depending on what line you're using, it's going to have a fair amount of stretch, making it hard to reef properly. Finally, it's gonna take a fairly long time for you to haul all of that line in to reef.

You'd be much better off with a two line reefing system, since you've basically got all the pieces you need for it except the second line.

Might need a few more foot blocks and line clutches.

A two-line reefing system is usually faster and gives you far more control over the shape of the reefed sail. It also sets the reefed sail up better. You can read about why this is HERE.

I could probably make a two-line work if I upped my Garhauer clutch assembly from three to four - will have to check if it is the same footprint because it is actually attached to a plate embedded in the cabin top (as opposed to through-bolted). I have an extra sheave on the footblock, and two mastblocks in place now for reefing so could probably rig one reef point aft with the two line system. As you can see by photo below, however, I don't have a lot of extra space to play with to add footblocks and clutches, so rigging both reef points with two-line system to the cockpit would be too much. Then of course there's still the issue with the outhaul, which is not run to the cockpit.

You're right about the single-line, it works but not very efficiently - whether reefing or shaking out. I could rig something like this fairly easily: http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/myreefing.jpg

catamount · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

I have a single-line reefing system on my 34' boat. One key to reducing friction in the system is to use blocks on the sails rather than feeding the line through the cringle eyes.

Antal makes some special "reef" blocks designed for just this application -- http://www.antal.it/Inglese/Bozzelli/Terzaroli.htm

Obviously, mine is a retrofit set-up.

SVAuspicious · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

phallo,

What you describe is the system I have on my HR for all three reefs. It works great. With a solid rod-kicker (so I don't have to fuss with a topping lift) I can throw in a reef in less than a minute at the mast.

phallo153 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVAuspicious

phallo,

What you describe is the system I have on my HR for all three reefs. It works great. With a solid rod-kicker (so I don't have to fuss with a topping lift) I can throw in a reef in less than a minute at the mast.

Most seem to be happiest with this setup, and I plan on adding a Garhauer rigid vang in the future.

Catamount, that would definitely make the single-line system easier.

Thanks for the input everyone.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

If you're going to lead the reefing lines back... you really should lead all of the reefing lines back... no sense in being able to stay in the cockpit to put in Reef #1, but have to go forward for Reef #2.... strikes me as being rather a dumb way to do it.

phallo153 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

If you're going to lead the reefing lines back... you really should lead all of the reefing lines back... no sense in being able to stay in the cockpit to put in Reef #1, but have to go forward for Reef #2.... strikes me as being rather a dumb way to do it.

I agree, didn't mean to give impression that I'm going to do it both ways

The only way I see to lead all reefing lines to the back is if each reef is on a single line (total of two lines), due to the limited clutch and line space. I really can't route any lines to port because of the hatch. In this case, Catamount's setup would probably be the way to go.

But I think in the end I will probably go with the two-line system for each reef, set at the mast.