Choice of lazy jack systems

[Mark]

I want to install a lazy jack on my H28.5. I'm having a hard time deciding on manufacturer. Harken, Schaefer, Wichard, or E-Z-Jacks. I'm leaning toward the latter as their product demonstration at the Boat Show was impressive. However, they don't have the big name going for them and are a little more expensive. It is a must that the system retracts and this seems to be the strongpoint for ez-jacks. Anyone out there with any recommendations?

 

[Steve Dion]

Many discussions on the subject.

Mark:There have been many discussions on the subject (check the archives). As I will tell you, look at the Dutchman before you decide. Lots of sailors love or hate the lazy jack systems. Not much negative about Dutchman.

 

[Tom Lukas]

Lazy Jacks

Mark, I have a Flying Dutchman System on my 28.5 and it works very well, flakes easy and no problem when reefing. Can't comment on the Lazy Jacks.tom

 

[Rich Campbell]

E-Z Jacks

I have E-Z JAX on my 29.5 and think they are great. They were installed when I bought the boat. Since I had never used any lazy jacks system before, I contacted the company through their website (link below) about their use. The owners (I think a husband and wife) were very helpful and faxed over a spec sheet and operating instructions for my files despite the fact that I did not purchase anything from them.

 

[Ed Napoleon]

Lazy Jacks

We made our jacks...Put a pair of blocks up, a couple of eyes and some 1/4 inch line....We put two cleats on the mast for them, used a pair of brass rings to run the boom lines through and we were done....They deploy ok, work great and can be stowed parrael to the boom...Cost was minimal...

 

[John]

ez jacks

I installed this system on both a Hunter 28.5 and a Catalina 34 and was very pleased. Great value for the cost. Excellent support from the owner, including sending additional parts very quickly for those that didn't pass the bounce/float test during my first installation. Instructions generally easy to follow. The cockpit-retraction feature was a little less clear but well worth the small additional cost.