Reefing with a Stack-Pack?

[KeelHaulin]

I'm getting ready to make a stack-pack; and was wondering about reefing the sail once it is installed. My boat has standard "jiffy" reefing; with a hook at the tack; and reef lines at the clew running through blocks on the side of the boom and up to the outhaul winch on the starboard side of the boom.

I am wondering if a pack system like the Doyle stackpack would work correctly while reefed? I am considering modifying the sailrite design to allow for a "membrane" to hold the pack up as is done on the Doyle system.

If I were to use the 2'nd or 3'rd reef point; will the pack interfere with the sail reefing? It seems that when we reef on the 2'nd point there is a lot of excess sail that needs to lay flaked against the sides of the boom. Would making the pack so that it can be dropped down and tacked to the side of the boom help with this?

[scottyt]

first thin i would suggest is go find a boat that has a stack pack and bring along a 6 pack. then ask the owner of the boat to show you its workings and let you play with it. by the time the beer is gone you should have a good idea of how it does/will work

[sailingdog]

Should work just fine, and the stack pack will contain the bunt of the sail when reefed, eliminating the need for the reefing nettles.

[bubb2]

along with the stack pack you should have lazy jacks. The lazy jacks will flake the sail on top to the boom. your stab reefing system will hold the tack and clew tight to the boom and the excess sail will be contained with in the stack pack it's self. It's the best system I know of.

[sailingdog]

Mike—

Most stack packs have integrated lazy jacks, at least all the ones I've seen do.

Originally Posted by bubb2

along with the stack pack you should have lazy jacks. The lazy jacks will flake the sail on top to the boom. your stab reefing system will hold the tack and clew tight to the boom and the excess sail will be contained with in the stack pack it's self. It's the best system I know of.

[eherlihy]

From Doyle's website;
Feature:
Reef lines pass through the sail cover.
Benefit;
Easy reefing with no need to tie sail to the boom.

[PBzeer]

I reef my stack pack just as I would without it., with, as Dawg says, no need to bind the sail.

[xxuxx]

Originally Posted by scottyt

first thin i would suggest is go find a boat that has a stack pack and bring along a 6 pack. then ask the owner of the boat to show you its workings and let you play with it. by the time the beer is gone you should have a good idea of how it does/will work

Find a stack pack, bring along a 6 pack; make sure the sail is by mack, and be sure the skipper is named Jack and the hull is painted black, by then you'll be ready to hit the rack.

[KeelHaulin]

Thanks all!