Help! Reefing Puzzle Challenge

[Tim S/V Zephyr]

Hey Folks...

I recently bought a Catalina 25 sailboat and am trying to figure out how to set up the reefing system. I've perused the forums and searched the net, and still can't see if this is supposed to be a single line or two line setup. There seem to be lots of extra padeyes and blocks, and interestingly the reefing line has an eye stictched around a padeye on the forward end of the boom.

Below is a sketched diagram.

There are 3 unused blocks at the base of the mast, so these could also be used as part of the reefing system.

Can anyone figure out how this reefing system might have initially been set up?

Appreciate your help!

 

[dmc]

It

looks like a two-line reef system. 3rd block is for the halyard.

Peace

dmc

 

[sailaway78]

A block ?????

Is there a block at the rear of the mast. Looks like you had one drawn in and then crossed out.

 

[Stu Jackson]

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20223

You should really get to know those C25 guys.

 

[Joe]

First, how many reef points on the main: it could be rigged as two single line systems for a single and double reef main.

It's obviously been modified by the previous owner, I'd hoist the sail at the dock to get a better visual and perhaps it will make sense.. There's enough hardware to run a one reef, single line system back to the cockpit. The biggest mystery is how the eyestrap line functions. It could be something not even related to the reefing system. This month's SAIL magazine has a big article on slab reefing that you might use as a guide.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Have you located all the hardware for the topping lift and outhaul?
I am trying to figure all this out on my C30. I am not sure that I need blocks on the sails reefing cringles or not.
Do you want to have single line reefing or double line reefing? I wouldn't worry about what it's supposed to be as much as what you want it to be.

 

[Dean5735]

go to West Marine and pick up a free Harken catalog and in there is a great reefing diagram, that is what I used and it is totally simple and we love it. We reef everytime we drop the sails so there are no surprises when we go out the next time.

Dean

 

[bffatcat]

jiffy reefing

Ive never had much luck with single line systems. They seem to be prone to binding up
2 line systems are simpler and usually work trouble free

 

[Tim S/V Zephyr]

Block on mast

Is there a block at the rear of the mast. Looks like you had one drawn in and then crossed out.

Yes there is a block on the top aft end of the boom, but this is part of the outhaul system. There are a couple of blocks in the outhaul system on the end of the boom that I decided not to show in the diagram as all are accounted for.

 

[Warren Milberg]

The 4th post and pic in the ref provided by Stu Jackson would seem to be exactly what you have.....

 

[Tim S/V Zephyr]

First, how many reef points on the main: it could be rigged as two single line systems for a single and double reef main.

It's obviously been modified by the previous owner, I'd hoist the sail at the dock to get a better visual and perhaps it will make sense.. There's enough hardware to run a one reef, single line system back to the cockpit. The biggest mystery is how the eyestrap line functions. It could be something not even related to the reefing system. This month's SAIL magazine has a big article on slab reefing that you might use as a guide.

Hey Joe...

There is only one reef point on the mail. I think you are right about at least having enough hardware to run a single line reefing system back to the cockpit. It just dawned on me, I wonder if the eyestrap rope was originally part of a lazyjack system? That might explain the two larger vertically placed padeyes on the starboard side of the boom?

Tim

 

[BobM]

The forward cheek block could be to make a single line system by running the line through it to the block at the base of the mast and aft. Is there an open rope clutch on the cabin top or some other sort of cleat? I agree that the two loops on either side at the same distance are probably to terminate lazy jacks.

 

[druid]

Do you want to have single line reefing or double line reefing? I wouldn't worry about what it's supposed to be as much as what you want it to be.

This is what I was thinking: forget about how the PO set it up - it's your boat: set up the reefing the way you want it. My boat's PO had single-line reefing on both reef points, but that meant a lot of adjusting lines every time I raised the main. So now I have single-line on the first reef, and make-your-own on the second.

druid
"Coatue" Crown 28

 

[Bad Obsession]

I think that the Catalinas came out of the Factory with one reefing line on the back and one reefing line on the front. Mine is that way and the system is basic and works just fine for me. I think that you tend to get better sail shape if you can adjust the back and front separately.