Lazy jacks

Sublime · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

I was curious about what is done to prevent them from interfering with the sail. Or is it a non issue?

I think it'd be a good idea for my boat. I've found videos showing the sail going up and down in them but nothing of what is done with them while under sail.

knothead · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

There are lazy jacks and then there are lazy jacks.
The setup I like has a block on the bottom of the lower spreaders where the "halyard" is reeved and the "drops" are dead ended at eye straps on the bottom of the boom. That allows me to lower and stow the whole system under the sail cover without having to modify the cover.
I also can lower, or not deploy the leeward side if I'm not heading exactly into the wind to prevent the battens from hanging up when I'm raising the sail.
I'm not a big fan of the systems that dead end on the mast and are adjusted at the boom or the ones made with bungee cords.

I usually just ease mine a little when sailing.

CalypsoP35 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

My lazy jacks can be released so that they can hooked to the boom where it connects to the mast while sailing. Once this is done the lines run along the boom and the mast with no line interfering with the sails.

treilley · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalypsoP35

My lazy jacks can be released so that they can hooked to the boom where it connects to the mast while sailing. Once this is done the lines run along the boom and the mast with no line interfering with the sails.

Ditto.

I leave mine out at anchor to prevent slapping the mast. I had my sail cover made to accommodate them. They only get stowed while sailing to prevent chafe on the sail.

T37Chef · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

Try Lazy Jack System - EZ-JAX

nickmerc · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

You can make your own stowable lazy jacks for about $100 in materials and a few hours of your time. The time includes installation as well. I stow mine when under sail and only deploy them when dropping the main sail.

chef2sail · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2011

I useed to have the Harken system...but installed the EZ jack system the chef refered to about 1 month ago. It is a great system and not very expensive...about 320 dollars so you get 680 change from the BOAT (break out anouther thousand).

The ez jackscks pull back to the mast and under the boom in a 30 second motion when you have lowered the sail and put the cover on. They are not up when raising the sail or while sailing so no chafe or catchoing the battens on them. They take about 20 seconds to deploy each side. Great for single handing as you can put the sailties on back at the dock if you want to.

Dave

Omatako · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2011

Of course the best lazy-jack solution includes a stac-pac into which the sail stows without any interference from the cords.

Still, it is wise to have the cords operational from the mast as described by Knothead to free the cords off on the leeward side of the sail when under way. Else it tends to rub and chafe and distort sail shape.

TejasSailer · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2011

I have Ez-Jacks and run shock cord from the top ring to the shroud on each side so that the Ez-Jacks do not interfere with the sail while raising or while sailing and also control the foot of the sail when reefed.

T37Chef · #10 (**permalink**) 07-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef2sail

It is a great system and not very expensive...about 320 dollars so you get 680 change from the BOAT (break out anouther thousand).

I love this logic!!!

If I could only get the wife to understand it I would be all set