I am thinking about installing a Lazy Jack on Her Diamond Ring. I am leaning toward the EZ Jack. Any words of wisdom or other brand recommendations? Russ
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Lazy jax aren't so lazy (sometimes)
Russ: I was also considering lazy jacks but settled on the Dutchman "C" system. It is NOT recommended for an older sail but will work. It actually causes the sail to flake. The problem with the LJ was the fouling of the battens. I do not think that this is a big problem if you do not have full battens. I am sure that you get somemore feed back for some others. I liked the Dutchman well enough to do it again when we got our new main sail this year.
Russ: I was also considering lazy jacks but settled on the Dutchman "C" system. It is NOT recommended for an older sail but will work. It actually causes the sail to flake. The problem with the LJ was the fouling of the battens. I do not think that this is a big problem if you do not have full battens. I am sure that you get somemore feed back for some others. I liked the Dutchman well enough to do it again when we got our new main sail this year.
I like mine
I installed mine this year on our H31. Being able to single-handedly dump and secure the main in 20+ knot wind is well worth the "finesse" needed to get the first two battens successfully through the jacks. I'd do it again, given the choice. We got a "kit" from our local sailmaker. It included all Harken blocks and hardware, but a lousy set of instructions. If I were to do it again, I would see the sailboat gear specialist at our local West Marine store. The gear is typical, the instructions are invaluable.
I installed mine this year on our H31. Being able to single-handedly dump and secure the main in 20+ knot wind is well worth the "finesse" needed to get the first two battens successfully through the jacks. I'd do it again, given the choice. We got a "kit" from our local sailmaker. It included all Harken blocks and hardware, but a lousy set of instructions. If I were to do it again, I would see the sailboat gear specialist at our local West Marine store. The gear is typical, the instructions are invaluable.
Try another
Call Sail Care in Pennsylvania and check-out their system. It is like a lazy jack but stores against the mast when not needed.
Call Sail Care in Pennsylvania and check-out their system. It is like a lazy jack but stores against the mast when not needed.
A Little advice
From my experience on my 29.5 , make sure you get the option to be able to have the LJ ropes , when required, flaked by the mast .On the 29.5 they tend to foul the battens end , if left in standard position.
From my experience on my 29.5 , make sure you get the option to be able to have the LJ ropes , when required, flaked by the mast .On the 29.5 they tend to foul the battens end , if left in standard position.
Tread Wisely
Russ, I have the Harken system on my boat and they work great, when lowering the main. When raising however it is a little more difficult. You have to be head to wind, under motor, and stear the boat so the battens will clear. You should think of this scenario; your engine stalls in a busy waterway, the gusting wind is off your stern quarter and you cannot head to wind. Better hope your jib unfurls without hitch. I strongly recomend EZ Jacks or one of the other brands that "Retract" quickly against the mast, out of the way.
Russ, I have the Harken system on my boat and they work great, when lowering the main. When raising however it is a little more difficult. You have to be head to wind, under motor, and stear the boat so the battens will clear. You should think of this scenario; your engine stalls in a busy waterway, the gusting wind is off your stern quarter and you cannot head to wind. Better hope your jib unfurls without hitch. I strongly recomend EZ Jacks or one of the other brands that "Retract" quickly against the mast, out of the way.
Info on Sail Care system and address
How is this different from the Lazy Jack? Does it automatically store at the mast when not in use? You can loosen the Lazy Jack and store at mast either by hooking behind the reefing hooks or using a bungee cord around the mast. How many feet from stern of boom does the LJ go under the mast to the other side? Just curious, since we often feel ours should be further back than the dealer installed.
How is this different from the Lazy Jack? Does it automatically store at the mast when not in use? You can loosen the Lazy Jack and store at mast either by hooking behind the reefing hooks or using a bungee cord around the mast. How many feet from stern of boom does the LJ go under the mast to the other side? Just curious, since we often feel ours should be further back than the dealer installed.
Check out other boats
Check out other boats that already have them installed. Then make your own it is not a complicated job. I put together my own for about $40 the hardest part of the whole process is riviting eye straps on the boom and mast check the archives I recieved alot of good advice before I did mine from this site.
Check out other boats that already have them installed. Then make your own it is not a complicated job. I put together my own for about $40 the hardest part of the whole process is riviting eye straps on the boom and mast check the archives I recieved alot of good advice before I did mine from this site.
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