Mainsail Reefing system

Q

quiet_bird

.
Oct 30, 2019
5
Hello everybody,

I am looking at installing a new reefing system for the mainsail on my
Vega,as well as taking all lines back to the cockpit.I have looked at
the Harken "package" as well as Barton,before I dive in,are there any
owners out there who have undertaken a similar project and have kept a
photographic record,or indeed any owner who inherited a system that
they are happy with and have a photo or two that would give me a head
start??
I would be grateful for any help available

Kind Regards Bob Tough Vega#1678
 
V

vegavrijheid

.
Jun 8, 2005
30
Hello Bob,

Some years ago I installed a similar system on my Vega 3329 Vrijheid.

6 lines from the mast over Spinlock leads arriving under the sprayhood
through 6 drilled holes. Under the sprayhood 2 sets of Spinlock jammers onto
2 winches which do the work. A new Seldén boom with 2 inner reefing lines
and inner footrope puller. Hanked main of course.

The lines are: mainhalyard, reef 1 and 2, downhaul, footrope puller, topping
lift. I never made pictures of this but works very satisfying.

Problems are: drilling decent holes in the standing poly rim holding the
sprayhood and mounting the deckleads. Thats all.

As soon as I get a chance I will make some pictures.

Krgrds Rob Kloosterman
 
Q

quiet_bird

.
Oct 30, 2019
5
Thanks very much for getting back to me Rob.That
sounds like a comprehensive system,I wont be able to
afford a new boom,I still have the Proctor mast and
roller reefing boom fitted to her so I will have to
work aound that.If you get a chance to send me some
photos I would be very grateful indeed!!

Many Thanks Robert Tough
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Bob (Tough),
I uploaded a couple files into a folder titled "Jiffy Reefing." You
may also be able to find a bit of info on Google. I'm going to make
the same change this year (after she goes in the water and it is
warmer). I've got enough other work to do in the cold.

Take care,
Jack
 
V

vegatern

.
Oct 2, 2005
465
Hi Bob,
The gentleman that I purchased the Tern from had already
installed a single line reefing system that I am much pleased with.
It is simple to use and a huge advantage over what I had done on
previous boats. I'm sure he used components off the shelf rather than
a packaged system. There are photos, and a bit of a description,
posted in the photo section on this list. Look in Tern's portfolio.
One change I've made while tucking in the reef, and this was a
suggestion from this list, is to hoist the end of the boom well up
before releasing the halyard. This takes weight off the sail and
allows it to fall smoother, and so eliminates the need for me to reach
up and tug down on the leach.
Craig Tern #1519
 
V

vegatern

.
Oct 2, 2005
465
Jack, I noticed that in the "jiffy reefing" diagram that you
uploaded, if the reef line runs up the luff from block "5" and through
the reef cringle, back down to deck at the base of the mast, and then
to the cockpit, both the leach and luff will be secured at the same
time. Perhaps that is what you meant. I wasn't sure. I made a
small change on the boat. The halyard at the cockpit comes through a
rope clutch. I added a cam cleat behind it and marked the halyard
with a bit of whipping where it would be held by the cam cleat after
reefing. To tuck in a reef I put the halyard in the cam cleat and
then release the rope clutch. The sail falls the predetermined
distance and is held briefly until I close the rope clutch. It works
well. There's just less to fumble with.
Craig
 
Q

quiet_bird

.
Oct 30, 2019
5
Craig,Jack and Rob,what can I say?I am so glad I asked
before diving in!!!Ive now got a much clearer idea of
how Im going to set about the job itself,and Ill be
drawing up a plan and then sourcing the bits and
pieces I will need.
I am so grateful to everyone for helping me out on
this one!!!!!!

Many Thanks Bob Tough #1768
 
J

j.hunter9999

.
Oct 30, 2019
574
Craig,
I love the idea of marking the line and running through the reef
cringle. I've just never seen it set up so that it was efficient.
I've always had problems getting either enough outhaul or enough
downhaul in the reef when one line is used for the entire setup. I
really prefer to have the hook at the forward point and just climb up
there. I might consider a separate reefing line for the tack? But
that would mean at least four lines for two reefing points. That
said, I'm glad to hear it works on Tern. Perhaps I'll try it this summer.

Jack
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Harken has a good file on single line reefing at
You could buy a kit, or make up your own.

I've heard that single line reefing only works well up to a certain
size sail. I wonder if the Vega is small enough to work like that.
Has anyone on the list got a similar setup?

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Oooops .... had a senior moment there .... I didn't realize the thread
was on 'single line' reefing!

I had a similar setup on a slightly smaller boat, with everything led
aft, but wasn't enamored with all the lines piled in the cockpit.
Still, it would be nice to hide behind the dodger and pull in a reef or
two :)

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
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