Mainsail Reefing

[Alec Hart]

What's up with the reefing system on 27s?  The single line system on my boat hangs up and jams badly - am considering replaing with an external (possibly two-line) system.  Anyone have feedback on what works/what not to do?  

Also, any thoughts on rig tension?  Seems loose on mine, but all I have to compare to was a Catalina 25 some months ago... Don't want to lose my rig for want of a few turns on a buckle... and don't want to over stress the hull/deck either.  What to do what to do?

[Alec Hart]

Just wanted to update the forum.  I swapped out the reefing lines and recentered the double-ended (internal) block and everything works as well as a single-line reefing system can be expected to.  The old line was badly swollen and "set" in it's ways.  The new line is a vast improvement (as are the rope clutches I added for halyards, reefing line and topping lift).  Reefing is now a series of eleven steps - with the first one being:
"wife says 'shouldn't we put a reef in the sail... NOW?"

[spaul]

alec, do you think you can describe or draw how your single line reefing system is set up? I have the same system and even with pictures can't quite seem to figure it out.
Steve Paul
27/2

[Alec Hart]

The best schematic I found is in a book called "The Innovative Yacht" by Andrew Simpson.  ISBN 0-924486-98-8 (pg 49)  To explain it - there are two (2) pieces of line involved.  One is connected to the reef cringle and is lead down into the boom, to a "double ended" block - MID BOOM - and then returning to the mast and down (to the turning block, deck organizer and presumably the cockpit where it confuses you...

The SECOND lenght of rope is attached at the boom end, travels up to the reefing cringle, back down to a turing block on the boom end, into the boom, to the other end of the double ended block and back out the same (aft) end of the boom where it terminates.  Had me befuddled too until I saw the drawing.

The double ended block mid boom is NOT captive and moves fore and aft as you reef.  I added a small block at the reefing cringle on the mainsail leech to minimize friction and will still need to "pay out" line from the boom end when shaking out a reef - Simpson points out single line reefing is prone to drag - I also used slick (sta-set) line and kept turns to a minimum.  Hope this is helpful.  If not - I will be happy to scan the figure from Simpson's book and email you!

[spaul]

Alec, that would be fantastic. I believe with the description from you and what little I've found I can do this. Would be tremendous for you to scan and mail that page.
Send to

steve.paul@sbcglobal.net


Thanks so much,
Steve
cp27/2
IM PAUL SIVE

[Alec Hart]

I'll get that over to you ASAP.  Once it's scanned, maybe we can figure out how to post it here for everyone to enjoy!  On to the next post!

[DH]

Was anything ever posted? I need this information. Mine is about to go.

Thanks

[Alec Hart]

David - I sent directly to email - I'll dig out the pdf scan and post ASAP

[thedavo]

I gave up on the single-line system. But only because I don't mind leaving the cockpit if there is a faster way. I ordered a Rig-rite horn that is Isomat original equipment that simply snaps over the gooseneck. The line for the clew is still run back to the cockpit like the single-line system did. I now loosen the main and vang, raise the boom up to the reefing clew, loosen the halyard to bring the tack for the reef down to the horn and attach it, then tension the main halyard again. I'm going to race the boat Labor Day weekend and since afternoon thunderstorms are the norm down here in Florida, I opted for what should be the quicker system. I should mention though, that I will have four aboard to help with the operation. Dave.

[Roger Schwake]

My reefing system was not working like it should two years ago. Took the ends off the boom by drilling out the rivets, Found a birds nest and a some muddauber nests inside. After cleaning that out everything worked much better. New line is my next improvement, maybe this winter.

[seburnett]

I know this is an old post but I'm looking for information on the reefing system in the C-27/2.  Is this system being described?  I am hoping to go play with the reefing system this weekend for the first time and I'm trying to envision the single line reefing system employed.

[DH]

Two Line Reefing,



Single Line Reefing