O'Day 23 -- Single-Line Reefing System?

[Earendil]

Hi Folks.
This will be my second season in my O'Day 23, which I sail (mostly single-handing) on Buzzards Bay. I'm thinking about adding a single-line reefing system. I've been looking at a kit from Barton and a (somewhat more expensive) kit from Harken. Any advice? Your experienced opinions would be most gratefully appreciated.

 

[Pat]

Earendit, our 272 has a single line reef system that works perfectly...I may be able to find a drawing of how it works in my 272 manual....I believe it shows locations of the blocks, etc.....is led aft to a line
stopper at the forward cockpit winch on the cabin top. If you want, I'll look tonight...would be easiest if you sent me your email....my email is pcoulter2@cox.net Patrick

 

[GregL564]

What type of reefing system do you have now? Are you going from a two-line to a single-line? Also…I’m assuming you have a set of reef points in your main right now?

I completely re-did the single-line system on my 240, which used the infamous Isomat mid-boom shuttle-block. I eliminated the shuttle block… and the system now works fairly well. That said, I still find myself going to the gooseneck sometimes when reefing to get a little more leverage. If you have a two-line system now, I might consider keeping it.

Best,

Greg

 

[Earendil]

No system at present. If I foresee a need to reef, I turn into the wind, tie off the tiller, loosen the halyard a bit, go forward to tie a couple of pieces of para-cord in the the reef points (I think there are only two on the sail, but there may be three), and then scurry back to the cockpit. Just thought it would be nice to add a system whereby I could pull a reef line from the safety of the cockpit instead of climbing up atop that cabin. I'm often alone on the boat.

 

[GregL564]

If you have no system now, and there are no sheaves at the gooseneck and end of your boom that would allow you run lines internally through the boom, then I think one of the kits from either Harken or Barton are your best bet. And actually, these systems looks pretty good. I like the idea of having the lines external so you can see if there is any problem with the lines, and replace them easily when they are worn. As for the question of Harken vs Barton, I can’t say, but I know at least Harken is quality gear.

 

[Brian S]

I'd rather have my 2 line slab or jiffy reefing system. Well, actually, on the 192, it's a gooseneck reefing hook, and a leech reef line. A two line system, or hook and line, allow you relax the leech line a bit, and develop a bit more draft for power to punch through waves. Or, flatten the foot if you really want to depower. Single line reefing systems just don't allow as much control over foot tension. Also, you'd need to have halyards led to the cockpit in order to use single line as you hope.

As far as reefing, you should practice heaving-to (if your boat will heave-to) and then going forward to tuck in your reef.

Remember, the reef lines or nettles across the body of the sail should have no tension on them. They are there just to gather up the excess sail, if you choose to do so. Watch them in the VOR, and they usually don't bother for the first reef...

 

[talbotb]

BrianS makes a good point about having more control over foot tension with separate tack and clew lines. I would still go with the single line. The situations in which you decide to take in a reef underway are often stressful, and it is very gratifying to be able to bring the sail in quickly with a single line. Once the boat is under control, if you want to improve trim, you can always tie down the tack with your paracord and adjust foot tension with the jiffy reef. BTW, I found the biggest hassle in installation was location of the clew block. I ended up remounting mine several times to get the right angle on the sail. Consider mounting it on a track. That would let you fine tune the angle and also add a second block if you decide to install a second reef line.

 

[James19955]

Earendil.... Buzzards Bay can be interesting sailing - I used to moor my 23 in New Bedford harbor and had lots of fun on BB with the waves and the winding piping up. To your question about reefing - I cannot add anything to what has been posted since I only have the conventional set-up. Based on my experience I agree with the recommendation about heaving-to to actually do the reefing. It will give you a stable boat regardless of whether you bring everything back to the cockpit or have to go forward to the mast.
I highly recommend practicing this - my friend and I do a quick run through every year early in the season to make sure we haven't forgotten the steps.

A good video of the steps including the heave-to part is available on-lin from the Boston Sailing School at
http://www.sailmagazine.com/tips-and-techniques/sail-essentials-reefing

Have a great season if this darn snow ever stops and the bay becomes water again.

 

[Earendil]

Thank you, everyone, for your very helpful comments and suggestions!

 

[Ward H]

Earendil,
I like Garhauer Marine hardware so here is what I did. Took a little research to do.
I made a list of the supplied blocks and other hardware that came with both kits, listing size and load strengths. Cheek blocks, deck organizer, turning blocks, etc.
Then for each piece I found a similar piece from Garhauer Marine. Kind of built my own kit from Garhauer. I saved a few dollars and was able to stay with all Garhauer.
Following a suggestion from this forum I used Marlow Super Pre Stretch line. It is very stiff and runs through blocks and cringles very well.
I did the two line system for better sail control and ran my main halyard back at the same time.
The single line system will save on hardware costs but does add friction to overcome to set the reef. Several folks as you see from the posts, like the single line system but I chose the two line reefing for better sail shape control and lower friction per reefing line.
Where I sail I get lots of wind. One thing I have learned is to always leave the boat with the reef in the main. When I go out it is already reefed and if the is lighter I can always shake it out.