Need some suggestions on how to properly setup the reef lines on a Cal24. I have two lines (red and green) coming out of the end of the boom. (I would assume the original owner was using the colors to represent port and starboard). I have two reef point cringles and need to know if I should tie to the boom and go through the cringles or tie a bowline directly to the cringles.
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I should have been more specific
OK with reef lines at mast. Need to understand how to correctly handle at end of boom!
OK with reef lines at mast. Need to understand how to correctly handle at end of boom!
I would think that
The line would be dead-ended on the boom, go up to the leech reef cringle then down to the sheave in the aft end of the boom, through the boom and exit out near the mast end to whatever cleat, pulley etc. is there. I will say that I have seen this sort of system in use and without some way on providing some downward tension along with the aft tension the sail will not be pulled down to the boom far enough to provide a nice flat sail. I would think there would have to be some sort of turning block on the boom placed aft of where the reef cringle will eventually be when reefed. With this there will be tension on the cringle both down and aft. My reefing is external. I placed a cheek block on the boom about 4 in or so aft of where the reef cringle eventually sits when reefed. The line runs from a dead eye on the starboard side of the boom, up to the cringle, down to the cheek block and forward to a cleat. Super simple...
The line would be dead-ended on the boom, go up to the leech reef cringle then down to the sheave in the aft end of the boom, through the boom and exit out near the mast end to whatever cleat, pulley etc. is there. I will say that I have seen this sort of system in use and without some way on providing some downward tension along with the aft tension the sail will not be pulled down to the boom far enough to provide a nice flat sail. I would think there would have to be some sort of turning block on the boom placed aft of where the reef cringle will eventually be when reefed. With this there will be tension on the cringle both down and aft. My reefing is external. I placed a cheek block on the boom about 4 in or so aft of where the reef cringle eventually sits when reefed. The line runs from a dead eye on the starboard side of the boom, up to the cringle, down to the cheek block and forward to a cleat. Super simple...
External Reef Lines
Bob C, Our OC321 was originally equiped with an internal reefing system. After nearly 2 years of chasing down main sail friction problems and seriously considering an electric winch to raise the sail on a 32 footer, we (with the help from our sailmaker) moved both reefing lines to the sides of the boom. I cannot begin to tell you how much better it is. I can raise the main with easy without slightest friction and the main comes down with a flip of the Spinlock clutch. Tis a joy compared to the stock arrangement. Jon
Bob C, Our OC321 was originally equiped with an internal reefing system. After nearly 2 years of chasing down main sail friction problems and seriously considering an electric winch to raise the sail on a 32 footer, we (with the help from our sailmaker) moved both reefing lines to the sides of the boom. I cannot begin to tell you how much better it is. I can raise the main with easy without slightest friction and the main comes down with a flip of the Spinlock clutch. Tis a joy compared to the stock arrangement. Jon
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