Reefing Catalina 27

[WaveSlapper]

We went to reef the main and found the hanks were coming out of the T-Slot in the mast just above the point where the Boom attaches to the mast. It seems there should be something to close up the T when not installing or removing a sail so when we reef the sail the hanks are kept in the T-Slot.

Is there a part missing from our mast?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Yes, you need a track stop

Go to West marine or any other chandlery. They look like this: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...true&storeNum=2&subdeptNum=11208&classNum=272

You also might want to consider mast gates, check the www.catalina27.org website. These fit on the opening and close it up so the sail can come down without dropping out of the opening.

Jack lines are also used with track stops to allow reefing. They run through the sail slugs and allow the main to be lowered without damaging the sail. Do a search on "mainsail jack lines" which may also turn up jack lines for going forward safely.

 

[Jeff 21307]

A follow up question regarding WaveSlapper's reefing question. I am new to my C27. The main has 2 reef points. On my last 2 boats, there was a reefing hook at the tack to hook the reef point tack to. I do not see anything obvious on the gooseneck, but did find a heavy duty stainless hook in a box of parts that appears to be what I am looking for. The ony problem is that I dont see an obvious location where it was or should be attached. Any ideas or photos of reef set up would be appreciated. BTW last week it was 63 degrees out so I uncovered to boat to get a few projects started, yesterday we got 10 inches of snow........ahhh, I love NJ.