How Deep of a Reef?

[thisoldspouse]

I've finally got the time to install my "Jiffy Reefing System". It will be used on a 77 Mac 222, the mains dimensions are aprox. Luff 20ft, foot 8ft. The instructions say to put the cringle just below the first batten. The first batten is aprox. 4 1/2 feet up from the foot.
Does this sound about right? Does anyone feel it's too deep or not deep enough? This will be the only reef point on the sail. I sail mainly on inland lakes.
BTW, I thank all who gave advice on just how to sew in the reef points. I decided to use 5200 to attach the patches, then use a sewing awl to "sew" in. Overkill I'm sure. The 5200 would be enough, but I want the look of stitches, and I want the practice with the awl.
Eric

 

[catsailor]

I would sugest a stitching palm is the tool to learn with.

Awls are really for leather work. They are slow, not very versitile, and punch bigger holes in the cloth.

Why don't you get a book from the library on sail repair and consider it a bit of weekend reading? It will be much better than short answers from a forum.

http://www.sailrite.com/ is a great source of materials and tools.

 

[thisoldspouse]

I got the kit from Sailrite, will be using the recommended size needle.
I'll get a book on sail reair.
Any thoughts on the depth of Reef?

 

[Alan]

Figure your first reef to remove about 20% of main sail area on an average boat. The Mac222 is a bit tender so you may want to consider a 25% first reef. Key in your reef rigging is to be sure and get plenty of purchase on the outhaul. Reefing a main requires you get it as flat as possible.

 

[Ross]

How do you set the cringles? The corner patches and the reef point patches and grommets I could deal with but properly setting the cringles is beyond my skills and tools.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Actually, where they're suggesting you install the reefing point sounds about right, certainly similar to where mine was installed by UK when they built the main. Consider that because of the triangular shaped a mainsail, you are reducing the most area per foot up the sail. Additionally, you're lowering the center of effort, and therefore the length of the moment arm it exerts on your boat.
Regarding the use of 5200 adhesive, I got sticky back sail patches from my sail maker to put on my 150 to protect it from the swept-back spreaders. You might look around for those. I've had them for over 10 years with no sign of coming loose.
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[Benny]

A single reef point should suffice for your rig. A 20 by 8 sail has approximately 80 square feet of area. A reef of 4.5 by 8 takes away around 30 sqft of sail or close to 38% of total mainsail area. That sounds like a good reef point considering you will only have one. Sq Ft reduction is not the only factor, like it has been mentioned the center of effort is being lowered which will result in less heel and weather helm.