I was discussing a new reef configuration with Crazy Dave about a month ago, but then was distracted by some motor issues so I will continue here.
After reviewing several designs, I am proposing a double reef line configuration for the following reasons:
I believe that simple is better, two short lines that are not interdependent seems more reliable to me
Two short lines result in less friction than a single line through multiple blocks and cringles
The leverage/effort required to reef is halved
I am assuming that there will be no situation that would require that a reef line would need to be winched. In medium wind, the sail comes down easily, in high winds, I would heave-to before reefing. This assumption may be wrong, comments here are very welcome.
My proposed design is shown in my rather scribbly attached diagram. It does not show it but each reef line is attached at an eye strap on the far side of the boom. The tack reef line goes through a block and along the mast to a cam cleat, the clew reef line does pretty much the same in the opposite direction. Since this is a trailerable boat, there is an advantage to having no lines leave the boom. Since the cam cleats are near each other, reefing should be quick and not confusing.
I plan to implement this for the 2nd reef only, since the most aggressive reef would be made when I would least like to leave the cockpit.
The only concern that I can come up with is - might there be a situation where the boom would be in a position where the reef lines would be inaccessible.
All comments are welcome,
Randy
After reviewing several designs, I am proposing a double reef line configuration for the following reasons:
I believe that simple is better, two short lines that are not interdependent seems more reliable to me
Two short lines result in less friction than a single line through multiple blocks and cringles
The leverage/effort required to reef is halved
I am assuming that there will be no situation that would require that a reef line would need to be winched. In medium wind, the sail comes down easily, in high winds, I would heave-to before reefing. This assumption may be wrong, comments here are very welcome.
My proposed design is shown in my rather scribbly attached diagram. It does not show it but each reef line is attached at an eye strap on the far side of the boom. The tack reef line goes through a block and along the mast to a cam cleat, the clew reef line does pretty much the same in the opposite direction. Since this is a trailerable boat, there is an advantage to having no lines leave the boom. Since the cam cleats are near each other, reefing should be quick and not confusing.
I plan to implement this for the 2nd reef only, since the most aggressive reef would be made when I would least like to leave the cockpit.
The only concern that I can come up with is - might there be a situation where the boom would be in a position where the reef lines would be inaccessible.
All comments are welcome,
Randy
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