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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

2nd reef in the main

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/03/2004 : 18:47:00

Indiscipline is now rigged with 2 line reefing, with the lines coming back to the cockpit through the deck organizer and through a clutch. The forward line goes up through the reefing cringle and back down to the boom, where its tied off to a u-bolt. The aft line is the same. Both lines are led through blocks, down the mast, to the base, and back to the cockpit.

Works like a charm. Pulls the sail tight and flat in 2 seconds. Only go to the cabintop to tie the sail in bunches.

Problem is, I'd like to be able to use the 2nd reef in the mainsail (big winter storm forecast Sunday and my new 60% storm jib is on the way.)

If I had some big stainless steel hooks of the right shape I could tie the reefing lines into eyes at the end of the hooks and just hook the reefing lines into the cringles. If I wanted to set the 2nd reef, I could put in the first reef, tie it off, then move the hook up to the next cringle and use my lines to pull that back down to the boom. In this case the reefing lines would not go through the cringles and back down to the u-bolts on the boom.

I know I'd have to go to the mast to move the hooks. Thats OK, won't need the 2nd reef very often and I have to go to the mast before I ran the 2 line system even for 1 reef.

Anyone done anything like this and where do you get the hooks? Don't want them to flap around and come flying out of the cringles.

Unlike most sailors round these parts, I reef all the time and find the boat is faster with the main reefed and the 110% jib in winds 20 and above compared to heeling and dumping like crazy with full main and 135. Getting the 2nd reef in should with my new 60% jib should make the boat fun even when everyone else has gone in.

Indiscipline 1978 FK SR #398

Edited by - on

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 12/04/2004 : 09:15:47

Can't say for others, but Snickerdoodle has single line reefing for both first and second reef points. All leading aft on the cabin top. This makes reefing easy and I don't have to leave the cockpit at all.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts

Response Posted - 12/04/2004 : 11:11:04

Jim, I have a reef hook that I use on my boat, and move it from the flattening reef to the first reef when the wind picks up. It isn't easy, because the hook is either a tad too small, or its shape is such that it is difficult to get it in and out of the press-on cringles that come on our sails. If you're going to use a movable reef hook, it ought to be a smooth working set-up. I've seen 2-3 different types of reef hooks, and believe you can find one that will do what you have in mind, and be more functional than the one I have.

I mostly race my boat on an inland lake, and only have a flattening reef and one full reef, but, if I sailed where and how you do, I think I would have a single line reefing system for the flattening reef and the first reef, using reef hooks to change from one to the other. Then I would have another single line reefing system for the second reef. I haven't tried it, and am just thinking out loud, but it doesn't bother me to go forward to change the reef hook from flattening reef to full reef, because the waves usually aren't that big and steep yet. But, when you need to reduce to the second full reef, the waves will usually be much bigger and steeper, and it's safer to rig the boat so that you can stay in the cockpit, especially if you single hand frequently.

I mounted a three foot length of track on the aft end of my boom (starbd. side), and have a movable turning block on the track. My reefing line goes through that block. I can move the turning block fore and aft to adjust it for either the flattening reef or the first reef. If I wanted to set up a second full reef, I could add a second turning block to the track.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 12/05/2004 : 15:24:58

May try to find some hooks at WM. I'm planning a trip San Diego to Santa Cruz Island and may try to run out to Santa Rosa and San Miguel this August. This will be as much as a 500 to 600 mile solo offshore adventure (compared to my 300 miles plus this summer). Plus Im going to have several overnight offshore passages. Although August should be calm, you have to be ready for big winds in these areas. I know that, in big winds and offshore wave that come with them, you can't rely on the old Honda 8 HP (could be getting dunked or pulled out of the water). So I'm getting prepared to sail in much rougher conditions then I'm used to so far. I'll do that by upping my equipment and by going out this winter in bigger conditions than I did last year.

Right now I've stowed my 135 roller furler and am playing with hank on sails. I have so much more control and with these sails - 60% storm jib, 110, 135 and 155. But I have to work on the foredeck to change them. If I'm up there (in harness, clipped in) putting up the 60, I might as well stay up and put in the 2nd reef.

Another thing I'm thinking about is a dodger, bimini and weather cloths. I got way too much sun last summer. I'm going to replace the stanchions with heavier ones and may move the lifelines up to the top of the bow pulpit instead of the bottom like now. The lifelines and stanchions as they are now would not save me if I fell hard, even clipped in.

Also planning to modify the bilge, I want to have an electric pump with an alarm. If I got a leak through the sink drain or knot meter (the only 2 holes in the boat) the alarm would let me know and the pump could dry the boat out when I fixed the leak. Also if we took water from a wave or knockdown the electric pump would be a blessing. Keeping the manual pump, too.

Going to move the bow nav lights up ontop of the pulpit. The stock ones are useless. Going to epoxy shut their openings. No electrics in the anchor locker.

Need an additional 11 watt solar panel (22 watts is not quite enough over 3 weeks). I think 33 watts total will be fine.

I want to rig at least the lower 2 companionway boards so they can be clipped in place.

Upgrade my signal flares and the like to SOLAS grade.

Other things to think about on a rainy, cold Sunday......

(Great, if cold, sailing yesterday with a group of 4 new sailors).

I'll post some photos soon of my cool new galley mods.

I think the C25 can be a great singlehanders near coastal long range cruiser with proper mods and equipment.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 12/07/2004 : 07:59:52

We only have one reefing point on the Flying Wasp. It's single line, back to a cleat on the boom. If your plan is to only have one reef point lead aft, you might want to think about having that be the second point. If you have to go to a second reef - that's when you should remain in the cockpit. The first reef is usually put in at the dock or right as the wind picks up - the second one is more than likely a different story.

dw

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 12/07/2004 : 10:18:37

"Right now I've stowed my 135 roller furler and am playing with hank on sails..."

If you haven't already done so, I'd rig a dousing line. Having the headsail down on the deck before you go forward is a big help. IMHO a quick-connect system for the sheet to clew is a good idea too. You don't want to be fooling unthreading the sheets in bad weather.

"Going to move the bow nav lights up ontop of the pulpit"

Great mod if you're going out into high traffic areas. You might as well replace the rather anemic stern light at the same time. Do you already have a radar reflector?

To improve the visibility of my boat I purchased some SOLAS reflective tape and applied patches to strategic areas, (the mast, transom etc) they really 'light up' at night. (I also put patches on all the lifejackets, throwable cushion)

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 12/07/2004 : 20:57:14

Im sure with you on reefing the C-25. Tall mast fin keel can get out of habd in a hurry if you not paying attention. Noting more exciting that watching everything in the cabin swap sides. I recomend going out and practicing reefing and geting use to it way before you need it.

Edited by - Douglas on 12/07/2004 20:58:19

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 12/08/2004 : 15:07:49

I don't know if I really need the jib dousing line, if I back the jib and let the clutch go the sail pretty much falls on the deck. I already have a quick disconnect for the jib sheets. Getting it unhanked, rolled, into the bag, and getting the smaller one on in rough offshore conditions is what worries me (hence fixing stanchions and considering moving lifelines up to the top of the pulpit instead of the base).

I routinely put in the first reef in the main. I'm trying to work out a system for putting in the 2nd without going crazy running more lines and blocks (for something I may only use a few times per year). Of course, when its needed, it will be really needed.

SOLAS tape is a GREAT idea. My radar reflector melted down into a heap of silver colored cardboard. I disposed of it. Yes, I should get a new one.

Need SOLAS tape on life jackets and throwable anyways to fully meet USCG regulations for a charter boat. Also need the boat name lettered on them.

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