Reefing by rolling the boom

[Urban Hermit]

Plausible?

[soilgod]

Yes, but has some limitations.  First, if you have a boom vang, it needs to be detached. 
I assume you have a Dywer roller gooseneck fitting on the mast end of the boom.  That does allow you to roll main on boom.  Need to detach topping lift (boom lift) if you don't have it on the back of boom tang to mainsheet block.  Rolling the sail is possible, especially when confronted by higher winds and you have to go.  If the Main has a bolt rope run up the mast groove, the reef will be a little sloppy but possible.  Note that the sail shape will be different on port and starboard tacks.  And it will be difficult to operate the outhaul.  If you have slug slides on the main, it will roll a bit smoother.

Hope this makes sense.  Maybe ask Santa for a new Main with reefing grommets and slug slides.

[Mas]

Our first sailboat 45 years ago was a Compac 16, Mark 1 with the roller boom reefing. Compac discontinued it pretty quickly for all of the limitations mentioned above. In addition to those it would frequently jam and did one time for us returning in near gale conditions. Hiked way out looking at water through the windward ports with water shipping into the cockpit, no motor as didn't need one cuz 'I'm a sailor". Actually sailed for over a year without having a motor hanging off of the back until that day. My long suffering wife said nothing until we were safely back, at which time she announced, "we are getting a motor and get that rolly thingy fixed!"

Know you are getting tired of this comment but given your many concerns, enjoy your boat, still a 16 where it counts, but maybe start looking for a Mark2?

[Urban Hermit]

Geez, I haven't even put it in the water yet! (Finally ready, though.  Got the registration after waiting in line at the Tax Collector's office for six hours.  New collector, had to put his stamp on the very efficient system of the previous tax collector, all done now by get-in-line-by-smotphone and I refuse to use one of those @#%$ things because they've ruined the nation's culture.)   

Thank you both.  No boom vang, topping lift at the aft end.  Bolt in the luff but if I have to reef I'm not going to be concerned with sale shape except to get it as flat as possible.