reefing, i got it!

[jeff]

thanks again for the tips. i tried again yesterday and got it to work. i made sure i had the motor on and was able to hold myself into the wind, and i left the boom attached to the topping lift/ hook on the back stay until i had everything fastened, viola!, it worked. had a nice sail in 15 puffs wind with reef and a littl bit o jib furled out.........too bad she has to get hauled next week.....april is a long way off............jeff.

 

[Bill Holcomb]

DON'T DO IT THAT WAY!!

Hey Jeff,Don't hook your boom to that little cable "topping lift" when reefing! If a wave, or change in wind direction happens, you could find yourself with the windows underwater and water pouring in over the coamings. Definately a high risk situation...expecially if the hatch boards are out of the main companionway and/or the cockpit locker hatches are not secured.You need to have a true topping lift that is attached from the mast head casting to the back of the boom. That way, you can let the jib keep the boat moving forward while you sheet out the mainsail till it luffs. With the boat moving forward, and the main luffing, tuck in the reef.I prefer not "tap dancing" on the cabin top, so have all halyards and reefing lines leading aft on the cabin top. All I have to do is snug up on my true topping lift, ease the main sheet the distance from boom to reef point (about 3') and snug 'n cleat the reefing lines. Sheet in and you're sailing with a reefed main. The whole operation should only take about 90 seconds.Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

 

[jeff #14640]

thanks bill.

filling the boat with water is not something i want to experience........thanks for the tip when i re launch in april i will add a topping lift, do u think i could obtain the same effect by snugging the lazy jacks to take some tension off the the boom? jeff.

 

[Bill Holcomb]

Lazy Jacks Will Work Instead Of A Topping Lift

Hi Jeff,Yes, your lazy jacks will work in-lieu of a topping lift. They'll hold the boom up and also let it move from side to side if the wind shifts.Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839