Hunter 25.5 - Reefing System

[kaboboom]

I need to learn how to reef the mainsail on my Hunter 25.5. I've read some online tutorials, but I am still a bit confused. I saw where one review of this boat praising its easy "reefing system", but beyond that, I am not quite sure how to proceed. I believe I need to practice reefing the mainsail while docked in my slip, probably when there are very light winds since I will have to raise the mainsail to study the options, but I am unsure if I will need ties, foam plugs to hold things together before I can put tension on the sail with the halyard, etc. I suspect you raise, reef, and lower before leaving the slip, then raise again on the water, at which time you might decide you don't need to reef. To me, this almost sounds like a reefed main should be the default position, but there may be a large downside to leaving the sail reefed which is not yet obvious to me.

Can someone provide a brief description of the process, especially if I'm about to do something I might regret based on my understanding as outlined above?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Brian M H23]

slab reefing can be described as 3 seperate processes

1- Use a different grommet as the tack. This keeps the sail from going to full hoist
2 - use a different "outhaul" (called a reef line) connected to a grommet higher up on the sail than the full-hoist outhaul
3 - Tie up the loose sail below.

Putting a reef in while hoisting is just as easy as a full hoist - you just stop early and make sure the "reef" tack point is secured. Then snug up the correct reef line to raise the boom up to the reef point

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Reef a H260

Kaboboom,

I'm not sure if it's the same on the 25.5, but here are the specifics for my boat.

1. Make sure all restrictive lines are released; main sheet, boom vang, topping lift.

2. There is a strap on the port side of the main at the luff. Its about 3 feet up the luff from the tack. With the main sail down, hook this strap on the stainless steel horn that sticks up from the gooseneck. (Its possible to install the boom with this horn in the wrong, down, position.) This can be done while the main is being raised if you can't find the strap with the sail down.

3. Pulll all the slack out of the reef line. This is one of the three lines coming out of the boom at the mast. You want to get this as tight as possible. It becomes the new outhaul for the reefed main. Only do this after step 2. If step 2 is done while raising the main, then do this then too.

4. Hoist the main. Get the luff as tight as possible.

5. Check the reef line again. Get it even tighter. You want a really tight foot at the reef point.

6. Roll up all the excessive sail and secure it to the boom using the reef cringles (grommets) and lines. I've threaded 1/4" lines in each of these. A figure 8 knot on each side of the cringle with about 12" of line hanging down each side of the main.

The reef is now in. Go sailing.

If you are already sailing when you decide to reef, head into the wind and hold the bow there. That's best done with the motor running. Drop the main just enough to hook the luff reefing strap. Take the main back up and tight. Follow the rest of the reefing steps.

I hope this helps.

 

[C Jones]

Follow all the above very good information. If you still have any questions about any part of it let me know and I,ll drop by your marina and show you. Charles