Lazy Jacks

[John]

Has anyone installed a lazy jack system? What make did you use? How difficult of a job? Are you happy? Does it hurt sail performance? (i.e. effect sail shape) Seems like a great upgrade. Thinking about doing it this year. Thanks for the input.John

 

[mmsailor]

lazy jacks ,

Check out the photo fprum of Mike Eppes home made lazy jacks , they look good and have to work great , easy to do, Mike B

 

[Tom Hultberg]

Love them

John, I've put LJ's on my last boat and on my 97 Hunter 26. The first ones were E-Z Jacs and worked great from the cockpit. I put Sail Rite jacs on the 26 cuz they were a it easier to install. I wouldn't sail a boat without them now. Easy sail handeling, especially in a big blow. I'm all for safety any time.Good luck.

 

[Tony]

Just installed them

I've just finished putting them on my H240. I was really keen since my understanding based on others' experience is that it really helps when singlehanding. I made my own LJs based on the design on the Harken web page. All it took was 2 SS rings, 5 eyepads, 1 bullet block, a cleat and 50 ft of line (and some rivets and 2 screws). I think I spent less than $20. Karken sells the kit for > $100. Tony

 

[Paul Housman]

John, We,ve got lazy jacks on our H26. Like you I was concerned about sail shape.I asked the same question a while ago and never got an straight answer whether it does or doesn't. If you have enough slack in the lazy jack lines they can be pulled back to the mast so they don't effect the sail.Sometimes the battens get caught in the jacks when raising. Probably going to add some additional line to the jacks to allow enough slack.I agree with the others they are great. You can build your own and make it do what you'd like.

 

[Rick Webb]

Make Your Own

There are pictures in the photo forum of them on my boat. It is an easy project.

 

[Ned Christensen]

Made Mine Too

I made my own last year patterned after an article in Sail Magazine (Fall of '99 sometime). I have enough slack in mine to pull them forward and hook them under the reefing horns at the goose neck. They work really well, especially when dousing the main single handed. My regular sail cover still fits when they are retracted.I am plesed with mine.Ned Christensen