Hunter 410 3rd reef

[Don Lucas]

My 2001 Hunter 410 mainsail has 3 reef point, but only the 2 lower reefs rigged. Near as I can tell this is how it came new as there are only enough clutches for 2 reef lines. But there appears to be room in the boom to run the third line and I can always add a clutch.

Has anyone added a 3rd reef to their 410 or similar Hunter?

 

[waternwaves]

That is the famous GO "guys only" reef.........

only to be used when the admiral is not onboard. At 40" kts gusts she has decided we should be anchored or docked. no exceptions. I just happen to agree with her now. A full day on the 3rd reef is a VERY exhausting day, and it was very, very hard on equipment. I was sewing sails and fixing, replacing broken items for a week.

 

[Don Lucas]

LOL - a site search shows I asked the same basic question in 2013 with no responses. Maybe get better luck this time as it is hard to believe no 410 owners has used their third reef.

 

[Don Lucas]

Come on Hunter owner people!

 

[bdegouw]

May I suggest to forget the first reef and restring her for the second and third reef. Makes life simple when the s**t hits the fan.

 

[Rick D]

One Guy's Solution

Come on Hunter owner people!

Don, a guy who is on here occasionally re-rigged his 40.5 for a trip to Austrailia from SoCal. He purchased new sails and had considered the same issue. He had the first reef placed mid way between the old first and second than a deep third. Worked great for him on the crossing. Not exactly the answer to the question you raised, but if I had a third reef, I would do just as bdegouw suggested. I find I rarely use the first, going for the second if I need to reef. The only exception was a distance race last year where the wind was 22-25 at the start and I did use the first for about eight hours until squalls came in and then went to the second in 30-40 knots.

 

[Don Lucas]

Thanks I considered the 2 reef choices and am really hoping to hear from someone that did 3 rigged reefs.

 

[Don Lucas]

No one?

One of the problems of just having the reefs moved when getting a replacement sail on a B&R rig is that the patches for the spreaders are going to get problematic to arrange.