Installing double line jiffy reefing on a Tartan 31

[Husky59]

I would like to run the lines in the existing double line jiffy reefing system but need more detail. What size and type line? How long for the first reef? How long for the second reef? Tips on how to install.
Thanks.

 

[sail sfbay]

Welcome to the forum!!

I am sure you will get a lot of recommendations and guidance on running double line jiffy reefing system. As far as line size and type 8 mm - 3/8 inch diameter dyneema would work.

You might find this article helpful: Is Jiffy Reefing the simplest way to reef your boat's mainsail?

AND youtube video entitled "Sailboat Jiffy Reefing Upgrades" helpful:

 

[WayneH]

Dang, added another task to my boat projects. Marking the main halyard at the first and second reef points. What a time saver when you're trying to get everything set before the storm breaks on you.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Dang, added another task to my boat projects. Marking the main halyard at the first and second reef points. What a time saver when you're trying to get everything set before the storm breaks on you.

Yep.
The mark is at the aft end of the main haulyard clutch with the reef is perfectly tensioned. I ease the haulyard out until the mark is at clutch and lock the clutch. Then I use the 4:1 Cunningham block to pull the reef tack cringle down to tension the main. That way, I do not need to re-hoist the main which is never a fun proposition.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Another thing that I do differently than most sailors is that I don't try to get the clew cringle all the way down to the boom. I pull it reasonably tight with no pressure on it and then when I re-tension the main sheet it finishes the tensioning. The reef cringle is usually 6" above the boom but the boom is still plenty high enough and the downward and backward tension on the reef line flattens out the sail. It is a loose footed setup after all.

 

[sesmith]

If you run the aft reefing line through a block anchored to the clew cringle and tie the end down to the boom with a bowline, it will pull the back of the sail down to the boom as well as back....also give you 2:1 mech advantage. On our smaller boat I dont use a block, just run the line through the gromet.