Lazy Jacks vs. Dutchman

[Jim]

I would like to install a flaking system on my H30. Does anyone have a preferance of these two systems? What are the pros and cons and costs?

 

[R. Palaia]

Dutchman best, but

In my opinion, the dutchman is by far the best. But, it will only work properly if your mainsail is new or "newer". If your mainsail has lost most of its stiffness, the dutchman won't work properly. The basis for the dutchman is to flake the main as it comes down. In order for this to happen, the mainsail develops a "memory" for the flake folds. This memory happens on a sail that still has some stiffness. Ask your sailmaker if your sail will work. I had a lazyjack system once. Didn't like it because the full battened main got caught going up and the sail just crumpled up like a bedsheet and still needed to be gathered considerably. Lazyjacks help a little, but the dutchman helps alot in keeping the mainsail neat and tidy. Roc

 

[Don Riha]

Agree

We installed the lazyjack system and added full battens and I agree with everything the previous post said. Lazy jacks keep the sail from falling on the deck, that is about all. You have to then flake the sail for storage. We did not have to modify the sail cover. if price is not a concern go to the Dutchma n.

 

[bob]

dutchman preferred

i've had excellent results with the dutchman system on both my h31 and h40.5 and swear by it//bob

 

[Stephen Vosko]

Modified Lazy-Jack works well

Shore Sails of Kemah Texas installed a modified Lazy Jack where the lines run tight to the boom and mast when not in use as if they were not there including when the sail is down and the cover on (no need for a new cover). None of the ugly liines running up from the boom or interfering with the sail when under way. Unhook the lines from either side of the mast and the sail falls virtually flaked into the Lazy-Jack lines. Couldn't be easier!As a note, when I have used Dutchmen on charter boats, they could be difficult unless you were directly in irons.

 

[Steve Winkle]

Highland Dutch

I had the Dutchman system installed on my H30T when new and it still makes flaking a snap 8 1/2 years later. True, after I had my sail cleaned and resined by Sail Care, it worked better, however even before the cleaning it was a good system. I can recommend the Dutchman system with no reservations. You will have to have your sailcover altered to allow for the lines. When adjusted properly, the lines do not interfere with sail shape on any point of sail.SteveS/V Sea Squared

 

[tony Z]

Loose the lazy jacks

I am removing the lazy jacks from my H-33 next season. I can't think of anything more annoying and agrivating than the main getting caught up in the lazy jacks.I would rather deal w/ sail on the deck than be under the false impression that the lazy jacks will work.