In-boom reefing system

[tleary77]

I recently purchaced a 35.5 (I love it so far, even though I had to rebuild the motor) and while doing a rigging inspection I discovered that the reefing system was removed. While researching what to do, I found all of the original rigging requirements. Also, while doing research I found that it requires two internal shuttle blocks to maintain the one line reefing system (one set of blocks per reef, since the main has two reef points, I need two). I called Rig Rite, they don't carry the appropriate shuttle blocks anymore (not so nice parts lady ). Anyway, I am thinking to retrofit with "traditional" blocks connected back to back (Schaefer series 30), to make my own "shuttle blocks". Do any of you more experienced sailors have any thoughts on if this will work? I guess my main concern is will those blocks be able to withstand the forces required by the reefing lines and whatever else I am missing.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

[Mike H.]

Tim:

We have a 94 Vision 36. It has the "Single Line" reefing system.

It is a pain in the ass. I rebuilt ours: Replaced the reefing lines with smaller diameter; Put turning blocks on the reef points on the luff; Dissassembled, faired and reassembled the shuttle blocks. It works, but it is a complicated chore. Our shuttle blocks were such low quality that the wheels would not even turn. They were frozen in place by the casting fins inside the body of the shuttle.

If you do a search on this site for single line reefing systems you should come up with a lot of diagrams and info on how to put your back together.

If you have your old blocks, re use them. Just pop the axels out with a drift pin punch, fair the inside of the shuttles with files, reduce the width of the wheels by placing a full sheet of 80 grit paper on a flat surface and sanding one side down, then put them back together. I got a quote for new properly sized blocks and they were about $ 200. each.

The system is better than nothing. But I wish I had roller reefing.

Oh, and I also put permanent reef ties on my sail. Very nautical.

Mike

 

[tleary77]

Mike,
Thanks for the insight. I did find my shuttle blocks they were living inside the boom along with a mess of sticks and dirt and dried grass, thankfully no other occupants. Previous owner must have just cut the lines and pulled the lines out leaving the blocks in the boom. I am planning on re-stringing them tomorrow with smaller diameter line. I will check for the issues that you pointed out. I am getting mixed reviews on the single line reefing. Some love it, some hate it. I am going to give it a try. Thanks again.

 

[Mike H.]

Tim:

When you are redoing your rigging, you might want to use an electrician's fish tape for pulling in new line or messengers. Also, those christmas light ropes are perfect to pull into your boom so you can see inside.

Mike

 

[RonRelyea]

Christmas light ropes ... GENIUS!

Tim:

When you are redoing your rigging, you might want to use an electrician's fish tape for pulling in new line or messengers. Also, those christmas light ropes are perfect to pull into your boom so you can see inside.

Mike

I've got the fish tape down pat ... but the light ropes ... great idea!!!!

 

[MetricMountie]

Internal Reef Lines

When we purchased our 1992, 35.5 three seasons ago, we too had an issue with the internal single line reefing for the two reefs. One of the previous owners had problems with the system and opted to go with external reefing which worked but forced us on deck to operate. This season I've re-installed the internal system which up to this point works really well. As noted in previous posts the internals were totally screwed up, twisted, seized, etc. After much work and ample cursing of the manufacturer, I got everything back in place following replacing the lines with smaller diameter and the plastic boom end sheaves with aluminum over nylon. Everything runs smoothly with little friction while both raising the main and reefing. Shaking out a reef from the cockpit is a trouble free experience now.

 

[Alan]

Many years ago I rebuilt the reefing and outhaul systems in my boom. Those 'floating' blocks inside the boom are a HUGE source of friction and have lead many to abandon single line reefing. I used ball bearing blocks for maximum efficiency and high modulus line with a smaller diameter to control friction and stretch. The result was a very easy to reef single line system that I can do from the cockpit. I also upgraded the weak outhaul system to a 6:1 which has the power to do the job when the wind builds which the stock unit could never do. All this setup is internal to the boom which makes for a clean uncluttered boom.