Horizon Cat Lazy Jacks

[KeithV]

I saw mention of Capt Nemo's lazy jacks in an earlier post. Can you do me a favor and post pictures or instructions for lazy jacks on an HC? Anyone else have suggestions as well? Thanks!

[capt_nemo]

KeithV,

Here ya go!

NO BLOCK NO HARDWARE TWO LEGGED LAZY JACKS

CONSTRUCTION:

Using 3/16 Dacron line, tie a small Bowline around the lower SS bail at the top of the mast to one side of the peak halyard block and lead it down to the deck. Cut it about 4 or 5 feet above the boom and tie a small Bowline loop in the end. Repeat the process with a line down to the other side. Now, take about a 20' length of 5/32" or 3/16" Bungee Cord and while standing on one side of the boom reach up and pass the Bungee Cord through the small Bowline loop in the end of the Dacron line attached to the top of the mast. Bring the Bungee cord down and pass it UNDER the boom grabbing it on the other side with your other hand. Next, take the end of the Bungee Cord and pass it through the small Bowline eye in the other Dacron line and bring it down to the boom. Then, like before, pass the line UNDER the boom and grab it with your other hand.  Hold the two ends of the Bungee Cord together. You now have a continuous Bungee Cord line but it's probably pretty loose. Pull the slack out of the Bungee Cord making the two loops around the boom fairly snug, cut off excess and use Stainless hog rings to join the ends together. You're done.  You can splurge by using stainless rings, or something else at the ends of the Dacron line where the Bungee Cord passes through. Try deploying the Lazy Jacks as described below, adjusting the tension (tightening) of the Bungee cord to achieve a very tight fit on the boom to effectively "capture" sail and gaff.

OPERATION:

On "stand by" the two loops of Bungee Cord under the boom rest about one foot abaft the gooseneck ready to grab for deployment, slight tension in the cord keeping them in place. This position keeps them out of the sail's way (no chafe) until needed. They are then deployed by hand for those FEW MINUTES when needed to control the large mainsail (and gaff) coming down onto the boom. From the open companionway you reach forward and grab the two loops of Bungee Cord and pull them back along the boom separating them so that one is left forward, a few feet abaft the mast, and the other one pulled aft forming two "legs" to capture sail and gaff when lowered. I bring the aft one back around the padeye that was left on the boom from mid boom sheeting (previous years) which holds it securely in place. If you have mid-boom sheeting simply rig a quick way to attach the bungee loop to the pad eye holding the upper main sheet tackle. Or you might use the clew reef cleat to hold the bungee line aft if well positioned. They can then stay in position until I get ready to cover mainsail and lower mast at the ramp, at which time I capture them along with all the other lines at the mast with the long pin for travel.

Remember, don't strive for perfection - even the most complex, expensive, hardware intensive systems don't do a PERFECT job of controlling the entire mainsail (and gaff) when dousing.

If your SIMPLE SYSTEM does a reasonable job of capturing MOST of the mainsail and that pesky gaff, keeping all from spilling into the cockpit, or worse yet falling into the water, be satisfied. Then you can take your own sweet time to secure all with sail ties.

Hope this helps. There are several very satisfied customers on the CPYOA Forums.

capt. nemo

[KeithV]

Thank you Cap'n Nemo. The use of an elastic sort of line eliminates the need for blocks to adjust tension. Fantastic!

[rbh1515]

This looks like a great solution!  I will be ordering a HDC soon, and am planning for all the things I will need.  Some people recommend a boomkicker.  I was thinking about installing one.  I don' think I would be able to use your lazy jacks system with a boomkicker, right?  You wouldn't be able to slide the lines forward all the way?  What do you think about a boomkicker...not really necessary?
Rob

[capt_nemo]

rbh1515,

A boomkicker is a very effective piece of equipment which, NOT ONLY eliminates the need for an adjustable Topping Lift to keep the boom end clear of the gallows (when raising, lowering, or reefing sail), BUT also supports the weight of the boom and heavy sail cloth when sailing in light air to achieve better sail shape. If I decide to keep my Sun Cat I'll give serious thought to adding a boomkicker.

As far as my inexpensive yet effective Lazy Jack concept is concerned, it can still be employed with a boomkicker. Until needed the two shock cord loops will rest somewhere against the angled boomkicker and when employed one leg will stay forward and the other will be pulled back along the boom to its aft position. If I install a boomkicker I'll still retain my Lazy Jacks with two bungee cord legs.

Hope this helps.

capt_nemo

[rbh1515]

Thanks.  I agree I think it would probably work.
Rob