I'm considering buying a Mack Pack for my Hunter 340. I have Lazy Jacks on the main currently, but it still proves to be difficult to drop, stack and wrap. Especially the first third of the sail above the dodger and high above the steering pedestal. My 1st mate (wife) has told me to buy a furling main, but the conversion would be $$$$s. Has anybody had experience with a Mack Pack or other vendor/custom system, and how easy is it to use - ideally as easy as head up to wind, drop it into the pack, and zip it up.
- Status
windage
I have lazy jacks on my 336, and I have exactly the same problems you have. My wife always wants to know why my main isn't flaked as neatly as my neighbors'. @#$^$ We've had Doyle Stack-Packs on our charter boats. They have a neat appearance and are really handy. They do have a lot of windage. That's the only disadvantage I can think of. Paul
I have lazy jacks on my 336, and I have exactly the same problems you have. My wife always wants to know why my main isn't flaked as neatly as my neighbors'. @#$^$ We've had Doyle Stack-Packs on our charter boats. They have a neat appearance and are really handy. They do have a lot of windage. That's the only disadvantage I can think of. Paul
sail care
I just bought a simple system from a co called sail care. The lazy jack system stores on the mast when not in use, and another system is called the sail jockey that is a bungee system installed under the boom so there are no sail ties. I have not installed the lazy jacks, but I think it will be just what I was looking for without the windage problems of the stack pack. There is also a system on sailnet that was far cheaper than the stack pack. My systems ran 170.00 for my 34 Chris flboland@hotmail.com
I just bought a simple system from a co called sail care. The lazy jack system stores on the mast when not in use, and another system is called the sail jockey that is a bungee system installed under the boom so there are no sail ties. I have not installed the lazy jacks, but I think it will be just what I was looking for without the windage problems of the stack pack. There is also a system on sailnet that was far cheaper than the stack pack. My systems ran 170.00 for my 34 Chris flboland@hotmail.com
Sail Care second choice. . .
after a furling boom.
But $170. vs. $7000. usually solves that issue. With the Sail Care lazyjacks make sure you stretch them tight to the top of the mast. Otherwise you will have to go back up there to adjust. I installed mine with the mast down and need to go up there and make them tighter. Also make certain to properly position the boom hooks. You want the jacks to catch the main and not let it fall over the boom. Done right it is a really nice system and stows out of the way easily. I only use mine(H37C) when I am single-handling or there is a lot of harbor traffic and my First Mate can't see while I flake and tie. Three seasons and no issues.
after a furling boom.
But $170. vs. $7000. usually solves that issue. With the Sail Care lazyjacks make sure you stretch them tight to the top of the mast. Otherwise you will have to go back up there to adjust. I installed mine with the mast down and need to go up there and make them tighter. Also make certain to properly position the boom hooks. You want the jacks to catch the main and not let it fall over the boom. Done right it is a really nice system and stows out of the way easily. I only use mine(H37C) when I am single-handling or there is a lot of harbor traffic and my First Mate can't see while I flake and tie. Three seasons and no issues.- Status