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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Help with Reef set up...

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/31/2006 : 17:17:17

I am looking for some help with my reef set up. I do not think it is correct. The previous owner said we never used it. The main thing I see wrong is that the reef line does not run through the second cringle in the main sail. If I am not mistaken Ishould be able to uncleat the line from the starboard mast cleat and lower the sail down, tie it tight and re-hault it up tight. I have the picture on page 21 of the maunal but I am still not sure. Does anyone have a picture of their setup. Also what is the proper proceedure for reefing the main, step by step.

Don and Kim Young
Las Vegas Nv
http://web.me.com/bolter303/Our_World/Welcome.html

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 18:43:29

I added some spinlocks on the deck,so I could run more lines back.
what I did for a first reef is go on deck and use my cunningham hook for the reef.
I have my old reef line on a hook on the rear reef hole
Then from the cock pit I lower the main alittle and pull in the cunningham(hooked to the reef)
lower the main somemore ,pull in the cuningham and the reef line attached to the rear.
I do this till its tight I use the wintch to sug it up .
I use the reef often , the fastest ,safest
way is what i was shooting for . I am still thinking out the second reef .I have line tied to them to help me pull them in to grab it with the hook.

I thought the origenal setup didnt work for me.
the less time on deck in windy or rough water the better.

Edited by - on

Russ.Johnson
Commodore

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USA
855 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2006 : 01:37:58

Don,
There are many opinions on reefing and reef lines.
First, let's cover the basics then we can discuss modifications.
Below is a drawing from the owner's manual.
If your reef lines match the drawing then the previous owner used the stock jiffy-reef system.

Next, the newer main sails have 2 reef points.
The stock jiffy-reef system is only rigged for the 1st reef point.
I think you are looking for the 2nd reef lines.

You can use the forum search feature to find all kinds of reefing modifications.
A lot of people change something about reefing (I'm one).

To answer your question, here is my procedure for reefing (with stock equipment).
Sail close reached (a little off close hauled to give yourself a greater safety factor before accidental tack).
Verify you have enough time/room to complete reefing before hitting something.
Have someone take the helm and give them a landmark (remind them to watch the landmark, not you reefing).
Lower the main halyard (It's recommended you mark the halyard where to stop).
Loosen the boom vang (this takes pressure off the reef clew)
Tighten the topping lift (this takes pressure off the reef clew)
Uncleat the reef line from the starboard mast cleat
Tighten reef line (make sure the luff is tight before the clew or you will tear the luff slides right out of the mast track)
Verify the reef line is not caught on the port reef block
Cleat the reef line
Tie an extra line through the clew and around the boom (optional)
Loosen the topping lift
Tighten the boom vang
Adjust the reef line again (if necessary)
Catch your breath, take the helm and hold on.

I may have missed something.
You probably have more questions than answers.
Keep asking questions and we will do our best.
It might help to give your hull number and year.
Russ (#793)

Edited by - Russ.Johnson on 08/01/2006 01:45:31

jking
Navigator

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110 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2006 : 09:45:55

I am thinking of the following:

1. Attach an angled SS reefing hook or Cunningham hook at the gooseneck for reefing the tack (should work with 1st or 2nd reef.)

2. Rig the existing Jiffy line to reef the clew, probably using a bowline, and maybe run the line back to the cockpit. This could also be used at either 1st or 2nd reef.

This would minimize the time on deck, but are there other problems? Would a reefing hook chafe the sail?

Also, I am thinking of rigging some ties with light line, thru the reef tie-down cringles. Has anyone done this, and is there a reason not to?

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2006 : 13:59:17

If it looks like will be reefed up a while,I use the small holes too. We have 7 thin line cut to size.1st reef 3 holes plus the clue (it makes the draft less ).
if we reef a second time i keep every thing tied up and lower the sail and tie up again.
that way if the wind lets up you can let the sail out and the first reef is still tied up.

the back line is tied to a reef hook from west marine. the thing I worry about is the hook falling out (when the sail is down)and putting a lump in the nogin it hasnt happend yet but I`m still waiting.
I dont think it will happen with the main sail cover on.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2006 : 21:07:16

Just to add another newbie perspective, in my 2006 boat's mainsail, there is not only two reef points, but also a cringle near the tack of the sail for a cunningham. When I set up my reefing lines the first time, I put the reefing line through the cunningham cringle. (That did not work well... ;-) So, in case you are confused, the first cringle, if it is just a few inches from the corner of the sail, is not a reef point, it is designed to be used to tighten the luff of the mainsail. The pervailing wisdom on the site is that a cunningham on a C250 is not particularly effective, so I never use that cringle.

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2006 : 09:45:32

Don, I don't know if you have search the archives, but here is a post on my setup. I have used it almost two years now with no problems, in or out, on all points of sail except runs.
http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11396& SearchTerms=single,line,reefing,smooth,as,glass

Edited by - frog0911 on 08/02/2006 10:00:06

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.