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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Stock Reefing system.

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dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/07/2006 : 00:07:04

Does anyone have a diagram of what the stock reefing system should look like. I think I have all the hardware already mounted to my boom for the stock reefing system (not ran aft)and I would like to run new lines so I can reef my main sail when I need to but I can't figure out where the lines should be ran.

Regards

84 C25, Tall rig
"Sea Fever"
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/mai_taim/

Edited by - on

dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 00:11:43

Ok...
I think I may have found it. It apears that I have most of the hardware and a few items not listed here. Does anyone have cleaner copy of this diagram?
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/manbro/pictures/pc16.gif

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 05:52:46

The diagram that is in the manual section of this website is basically the same as what you posted (maybe exactly the same). here's the link to what is shown in the post '88 manual. I coud not find similar in the pre '88 manual:
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/manbro/pictures/4-1-9.gif

On my Catalina, there is a gooseneck at the mast. I guess that takes the place of the forward line, so only one line needs to be adjusted at the end of the boom. Not saying it is better or worse, just another option. The main sail has the grommets or whatever you call them that can fit on that gooseneck.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 06:48:11

You should be able to enlarge the size of that drawing by moving your computer cursor to the lower right hand corner of the picture until a square-ish image appears, and then clicking on it.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 09:03:33

Dave, this subject comes up a lot and one thing is very clear, few people leave a reef system stock. It is one of those cost control centers when a boat is built. The stock system on a 250 is an imitation of a nice system that is so poorly executed it does not really function. Those stock diagrams show a two line setup. The major improvement needed is to lead them back to the cockpit. The forward one does not need access to a winch because it is adjusted with zero tension, the aft reefline does need access to a winch if you want a clean foot. I use a two line set up for lots of reasons, mostly for optimal sail shape when reefed. I find a separate reefing outhaul allows much better tension control on the reefed foot.
Larry it sounds like you are talking about a reef hook or ram's head, (double reef hook). The gooseneck is the connection between your boom and your mast that allows articulation of the boom. The reef hook is not on many Catalinas but is wonderful for reefing at the dock, you get great tension on the reefed luff. It is poor for single handed reefing on the water because you must go forward with your main halyard relaxed. One reason I like dual line reefing is I have the option of using a reef hook at the dock or using a line from the cockpit on the water.
You can barely see the reef hook in this photo but you can sure tell how nice a reef it provides.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 11/07/2006 09:10:21

dmattlin
1st Mate

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USA
39 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 11:51:58

Thanks for the replys...
As much as I would like to run all lines aft it really is not practicle or safe for my crew. My Firstmate is visualy impared so having lines running aft is very dangerous, she could easly trip on them when walking on the cabin. It requires a bit more work on my part but I would much rather do that than have to fish her out of the ocean. I like the idea of the hooks. I didn't realize that the stock reefing system was a minimalist design, I will definalty be looking for ways to beef this up.

Something that occured to me is this...
How about using the hooks for the sail and installing two strong clam cleats (one in the front and one in the back of the boom)on the boom and just using those to secure the line. This would make reefing quick and easy by just loosening the main sail,giving the lines a tug
straight down and setting them in the clam cleat..

Is this a bad idea??

BTW: My Firstmate is a great sailor and loves the independece of sailing.. :-)

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 12:13:53

Dave,

Your idea may work but...i believe they do not go the cam cleat route for the same reason they probably do not use them for securing the main sail halyard. The cam cleat is not deemed as secure and if it were to come loose, then it may not be a convenient time to adjust it again. cam cleats seem to be used for lines that can be easily readjusted if tension needs to be increased or if the line becomes slack for whatever reason.

Frank,
Thanks for help with the terminology. it is a reef hook. i agree that it is best used for setting the reef at the dock. If and when a reef is needed sailing, it's not something easily attended to if single handed sailing. best then to use the lines leading to the cockpit. i have not really figured out a clean setup to square away this issue. Also, what does everyone do with those securing points along the sail - the little grommets or holes for using tiedowns to improve the sail shape when sail is reefed. What lines/setup to use - Wraps around boom and then what ?

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2006 : 13:37:22

I ran my reef line as a one pull system back to the cockpit over the cabin top, but I just changed that so I tie the line off at the front of the boom on the port side, up and through the reef point and down to a cheek block, then back to the read cheek block, then up through the read reef point, then down to the cleat on the port side. So now I just put the boat in irons and let loose the halyard and pull the reef line from the back of the boom. Cheers.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2006 : 14:48:26

I've tried several reefing configurations. I prefer the two line system as Frank described, with the exception that I usually use the reef ties that came with my mainsail.
Main thing for me was not ease of use but sail shape. I don't think going to the mast in a blow to put in a reef is that bad of a task because its a centre of the boat task where its fairly easy to stay low, there are hand holds and the stays are behind you while working on the bottom of the mast and the boom.
Sail shape is where your focus should be. (I had an AHA! moment about a year ago when Frank mentioned it here) Two lines gives you that control...and my experience so far is, that it takes about as much time as any single line system I've tried so far.
That said, I tend to reef at the dock, and unreef when I'm out there.

When you race, rig for the lightest winds you expect. When you cruise, rig for the worst conditions you expect.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2006 : 15:05:38

I agree with sail control, but I have a large dodger the is very difficult to get around so going forward is a pain; so I opt for the jiffy reef. Cheers.

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RedRedWhine
Navigator

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USA
167 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2006 : 19:29:46

Dennis,

Do you have any pictures of your reefing systems and lines running aft. I am looking to correct mine so I can single handle the boat. Thanks

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2006 : 20:01:16

Hi Don, I set out the other day to take pictures of all the mods I've made this past year, but a guy from my marina came sailing up to say hi and I blew all my digits taking pictures of his boat in action. I'll most likely go back out tomorrow and will post pics then. Cheers.

Edited by - on

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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.