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Good reefing hardware for heavy weather

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/11/2009 : 07:36:53

In responding to another question, I found a piece of hardware on Catalina Direct that some of you might be interested in. I had it on my C25, and my present boat has it, and it's very useful for those who cruise and who occasionally sail in high winds, when they need to double-reef the mainsail.

I'll use the following photo posted by Frank Hopper to illustrate it.

The turning block on the boom will be removed. In it's place, a 3' length of 1" track will be installed along the boom. Then, two reef blocks will be installed on the track.

One reef block will be used for your first reef, and the second will be used for your second reef. By having adjustable turning blocks on a track, instead of fixed turning blocks, you can adjust the positions of your turning blocks so that they will pull the reefing cringle down to the boom at the correct angle. By having a separate turning block for each reefing cringle, you will be able to tuck in either the first or second reef, as needed. If you sail on a small inland lake, and can lower your sails and motor to your slip in bad weather within a few minutes, you won't need it. But, if you sail in bigger waters and might get caught out in bad weather, and need to be able to use either your first or second reef quickly and efficiently, then a system similar to this would be a good addition to your boat.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 08:57:39

I like! (Can't use it right now, but I like it!)

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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1484 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 09:37:28

Very interesting indeed...I've been wrestling w/ how/what to do as we have no lines run for reefing. We've marked the halyard to indicate where it wants to be adjusted to for either reef position, and then we reposition the outhaul on the 1st or 2nd cringle and then need to go to the mast to secure the luff accordingly. It works well enough, but it is a bit of fussing...from all I've read it seems it's really best to run a total of 4 lines...which seems like a lot of effort based on our past experiences...

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 10:06:44

The problem with doing it that way, Jerry, is that, when the wind is blowing and the boat is heeling, everything becomes much more difficult to do, because you have to use one hand to hold on, and you only have one hand to re-string the reefing line or to move a piece of hardware. If you have everything in place and adjusted before-hand, it becomes much quicker and easier to get the sail reefed and to get the situation calmed down.

Last year I was crewing on a friend's boat when we got into a squall. We needed a double reef, but it was only rigged for a single reef. He had a track on his boom, but only had one movable reef block on the track, and the line was run for only a single reef. I had to re-run the line and adjust the position of the turning block, and, before I was done, I found myself hanging onto the boom with one hand, halfway suspended over the lifelines in a raging storm, trying to re-rig it with the other hand. If he had a second turning block and reef line, adjusted in advance, it would have been easy to do. (If the one shown above will fit his track, I intend to buy him one, as a belated Christmas gift. I've been looking for them at boat shows ever since and couldn't find them, and he and his family have been good friends.)

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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 10:36:46

Question for you, Steve -

Is the advantage of an adjustable block for the reefing line the fact that it can be moved to accommodate new sails of different sizes in the future?

One of the PO's installed on my boat an 18" Harken track and fixed turning block along the boom that is set for my current sail and its reefing cringle position. I don't intend to adjust it until I buy a new sail with reefing cringles in different positions.

So how would I benefit from using that nifty adjustable turning block?

Today happens to be a day when I would tuck in a reef at the marina, and use my storm jib, if I were lucky enough to go sailing:

CHESAPEAKE BAY FROM SANDY POINT TO NORTH BEACH-
1019 AM EST WED FEB 11 2009
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING

GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM EST THIS EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING

THIS AFTERNOON
S WINDS 15 TO 20 KT WITH GUSTS TO 25 KT. WAVES
2 TO 3 FT.

TONIGHT
SW WINDS 20 TO 25 KT WITH GUSTS TO 40 KT. WAVES 3 TO 4 FT.
SHOWERS LIKELY WITH ISOLATED TSTMS. VSBY 1 TO 3 NM.


Edit: Maybe you answered my question already - my turning block is tightened in place along the track with a set screw, and the block you suggested is adjusted with a set pin. Is that it, there's no other difference?

Edited by - JohnP on 02/11/2009 10:59:35

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5908 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 10:57:57

Instead of installing the track and the movable turning blocks, some people mount two fixed turning blocks on their boom - one for each of their two reef cringles. That would probably work for most situations.

However, if you bought a new mainsail, and, if the reef cringle was located a little differently from your previous sail, then the turning block might not be located exactly where it should be. Or, if you bought a used sail, not designed for a C25, the cringles might not be located where they should be, and, with movable turning blocks, you can put them wherever you need them. Also, if you have a flattening reef, you can even install a third turning block on the track for that cringle.

My point is that, anyone who might need to tuck in a double reef should have some kind of system that allows them to do it quickly and easily. There are other ways of doing it, but this is one system that isn't much more expensive than other systems, and it's versatile. It allows you to adjust it or add to it in the future, according to your needs.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 11:20:06

Double line reefing is far superior to single line reefing or the original setup for that matter. I wrote it up in Mainsheet a few years ago (in the C34 Tech section). It involves two lines for each reef: one for the tack and one for the clew. Since the clew needs a lot more tension on the line, it works much better than single line reefing, because with the single line, the same line is used for both the tack and the clew. Our C25 only had one reef, and it was the standard OEM requiring a trip to the foredeck even though our halyard was led aft to the cockpit. It was not a good arrangement, but I lived with it for 12 years, primarily because I reefed first then raised the sail, rarely had to do it when sailing. When I did, I hove to. The double line reefing, led back to the cockpit plus the halyard led back allows a very quick (less than a minute) reef or double reef (four lines). The adjustable track mounted reefing blocks are a good idea, but in reality, unless as mentioned you get a new sail, they don't move once set up originally.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 02/11/2009 11:20:53

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5908 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 11:37:27

I agree Stu. The idea of only having to deal with one reefing line sounds simple and appealing, but in practice, double line reefing is quick, easy and reasonably foolproof.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 13:12:40

Double-line reefing also protects your slugs, since you can tension the tack line before tensioning the clew line. The two lines end up working against each other, so have similar tension like a single line--it's the sequence that matters.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I intend to buy him one, as a belated Christmas gift. I've been looking for them at boat shows ever since and couldn't find them<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">That looks essentially like a traveler car. Harken has some "small boat" and "big boat" versions in the Defender and WM catalogs--theirs will make an impre$$ive Christmas gift!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 13:32:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 That looks essentially like a traveler car. Harken has some "small boat" and "big boat" versions in the Defender and WM catalogs--theirs will make an impre$$ive Christmas gift!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The reef block is slightly different from a traveler car. Also, we retirees on fixed incomes with a kid still in college can't afford to give Christmas gifts that are too impre$$ive.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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1484 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 15:02:56

Steve - You are right,I know...that is the worst case...we don't do overnight or offshore passages, so we just maintain a sharp weather eye and reef early...

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two port feet
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2009 : 21:35:58

Double line reefing, two reefs, would just add to the line cloudier. Already a safety hazard with so many lines running aft on a small boat. Maybe just think ahead take your time reef early.

four reffing
Two halyard
Cunningham
outhaul
two spinnaker (one up, one down)
roller furler
two Genoa
That's thirteen line to keep from tangling up in.

Maybe Ford has a better idea.

Just want to sail, not make spaghetti Ed.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5908 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2009 : 07:59:26

To clarify, I'm not suggesting that everyone needs to install a system of this type on their boat. I posted this thread mostly for people who need to be able to double reef their mainsail. That depends on whether they sail or cruise in bigger waters, where they might get caught out, and have to sail through high winds.

Also, it's nice to have some control lines led aft to the cockpit, but, unless you singlehand or sail very shorthanded a lot, I don't think it's necessary for most of us to lead all our lines aft. My sheets, halliards and jib furling line are led aft, but I have to go to my coach roof to tuck in a reef, raise or lower a spinnaker, and to raise and lower the anchor. My spinnaker halliards, spinnaker pole topping lift and downhaul aren't led aft. With the aid of an autopilot and chute scoop, I can singlehand the boat in a storm, fly the cruising chute singlehanded, and don't see any reason why I can't fly the symmetrical spinnaker with at least one crew. Regarding the safety of going forward in rough weather, I use a harness and tethers and jacklines to keep me on the boat, and don't consider that a significant issue.

One of the neat things about sailing is that we don't all have to do everything the same way. We can rig and sail the boat according to our individual needs and habits.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2009 : 08:04:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by two port feet
 Just want to sail, not make spaghetti Ed.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Hi Ed... Where do you sail?

One option might be to just lead the 2nd reef lines back, on the theory that if something serious comes up unexpectedly and you need to reduce sail, to err on the side of too little sail might be better than too much. Then on a moderately heavy day, you can set your first reef at the dock and be ready to go to the second while under way... In a real "situation", you're always ready to quicly and safely go to the second.

BTW, my "second reef" was putting the main on the boom (or leaving it there) and sailing on the 130 alone, which I could easily roll up a little if necessary.

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two port feet
1st Mate

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Response Posted - 02/12/2009 : 16:19:09

Dave: I'm lake sailing, or you mite say pond sailing. With the majority of our water being sent to southern California or the rice farms. Our lake, Lake Oroville, has become like a deep canyon pond. With wind swirling from over the dam or mountains. With the wends constantly changing directions. Providing the wend reaches the lake level, It makes for a challenging down wend sail. Turn your head and the boom will get you every time (hardhats are welcome). Most of our wends are under >15 some times 25 so "four" reefing lines, I just can't see it in my case. I acquired Two Port Feet a C25/SK/SR on 06/01/08. As a first time sailor. I then took a day sailing lesson on a lancer 25 from the local Guru. Best $150 sailing dollars spent so far. It started off scary at first but I've been single hand sailing every sense. I just purchased a new (Green) reefing line and a loose foot main sail, can't wait to try it. My main only has one reef, as recommended from CD for this lake condition.
"Green to this sailing" but loving it. ED.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 02/12/2009 : 20:44:46

Steve - Great point, when we got Whisper 4 years ago I thought there was a 'right way' to do almost everything...fact is, we all face the same situations, but rely on our own resources, preferences and what's laying around in the 'ol bag of tricks!

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