Mainsail Reefing

[bob Marona]

I recently got my 170 launched for the first time, and within 15 minutes was hit with unexpected 18+ winds. The boat almost flipped. I realize I am in dire need of reefing in the mainsail. Can any present or past 170 owners help me with advise as to how reefing should be added ( 1,2 3 or more reef points) and what your experience has been with reefing for the 170?Thanks for your help!Bob Marona(EMAIL: RNMDMCD@AOL.COM)

 

[Don C.]

I have reef points

I was advised by my dealer in Westbrook, CT to get the reef points on my new 170 as I would be sailing in Long Island Sound. There is only one level but it really helps. I have used them 2 out of the three times that I have been out this year. The dealer took the sail to a sailmaker to have them put in, then he added the hardware (cleats) on the boom & mast. It cost me $135 but is well worth it (safety item).  Just as a side note, you may want to consider a trip to East Lyme, CT to watch a 170 being built. I took a tour of the JY factory (can see it from Rt. 95) and the process is amazing!!! Don C. email: Deesea9@worldnet.att.net

 

[Michael Stuart]

Lake neighbors

Nice to hear that there's another 170 on Candelwood Lake. I'm up near Sherman, where are you?Yes, gusts are a real problem on Candlewood Lake. Been sailing there for 13 years. This is my 3rd summer with the 170. My experience with gusts and the 170 is always to have your hand on the jib sheet. When a gust comes, ease the jib sheet. A gust tends to turn the 170 (fully asail) away from the wind which makes the boat heel drastically (do I hear swimming?). (also the rudder cannot turn the boat into the wind under these circumstances) The jib gets the wind first and causes the boat to turn leeward. Easing the jib, though noisy, lets the mainsail only catch the wind so that the boat turns into the wind. Ease the jib when the gust first attacks the jib, i.e. the jib starts to rattle. In long and strong gusts, or strong wind, I furl the jib completely. I do not have a main sail reefing point and have been sailing fine without it, even in whitecaps. I would be interested in knowing how much you have been quoted for adding a reefing point on the main and for the hardware. Where will you have this done? How long will it take? E-mail me. michael@cplplaw.com

 

[Bob Marona]

Drilling Holes in the 170 Hull

I'd like to add some hardware to the cockpit of the 170 -- to hold an oar in place, and such.Have any of you had experience in drilling through the cockpit wall and attaching hardware?Thanks for your input.Bob Marona

 

[Ed Smith]

I had 25% reefing added to Main

by a sail shop in Corpus Christi when I caught some of their Blue Northers. They charged $85 but I had other offers of $115, $135, and $150 plus transportation. I added some hardware and a line for singlehanded reefing so all I have to do is lower main halyard to pretaped point and the pull the reefing line taunt and tie it off. I cheated by using a system I had seen in use on a sailboat in Mexico. I did not have to use the reef but a couple of times cause I don't go out in winds over 15 knots. I may have to come home in them but not out. A few times I had to sail jib only but I found that this boat will sail almost dead into the wind with the jib after coming about and leave the jib on windward side. Interesting hey what. Try it sometime.The wind will push you around until you get up sufficient way and then hang on.Make sure you are in plenty of free area and well away from a lee shore cause rocks are hard to get off of once you are there and I did see a few of those last year. Hey, have fun.