Reefing line attachment

[Ken Cross]

I am in the process of replacing my sails and have a question. The main reefing lines are attached to the boat on one end with strap style fairleads with 2 blind rivets (one rivet on each end.) I think these are the original sails since 1989. My question: aren't these fairleads a bit light for this purpose? This main has a 37.75-foot luff and a 12.5-foot boom. How would you secure them?

Ken

 

[dlochner]

I assume the fairleads are a the aft end of the boom and the reefing line leads from the eye strap up through a cringe on the sail, then down to a block and forward to a cleat or back to the cockpit.

That's a pretty standard arrangement. The forces are shear forces, that is any force on the rivets will be across the rivets and not pulling the rivets out. I would trust that more than a self-tapping screw. An eye strap that is through bolted would be stronger, but I'm not sure that it is worth the effort.

If the current arrangement has been working for you, then I see no reason to change it, unless there is some evidence that the fitting is failing. The evidence would be loose rivets or evidence of corrosion.

 

[Ken Cross]

If the current arrangement has been working for you, then I see no reason to change it, unless there is some evidence that the fitting is failing. The evidence would be loose rivets or evidence of corrosion.

Thanks for the note. It is as you say in shear. I was just surprised that I hadn't noticed the light-duty looking hardware. It hasn't failed, but then I don't think this boat has been sailed much. The old sails are still serviceable (but getting pretty rough) after 29 years.

Ken

 

[jssailem]

Ken, The images of reefing I have viewed on line with loose footed main show the reefing line tied to the end of the boom not to a fairlead then up to the clew.

 

[capta]

I believe you are talking about a 30' boat? Is the reefing line size excessively large?
Honestly, I think they'll be fine even in a pretty strong blow. Remember, you have reefed the sail, so the forces are a lot less by what, a third or more?

 

[dlochner]

Thanks for the note. It is as you say in shear. I was just surprised that I hadn't noticed the light-duty looking hardware. It hasn't failed, but then I don't think this boat has been sailed much. The old sails are still serviceable (but getting pretty rough) after 29 years.

Ken

If the rivets are aluminum, it might be worth your while to replace them with SS rivets. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about them unless there are signs that the rivets are failing.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I have two clew reefs and two cheek blocks on a track on the starboard side of the boom. Each of the cheek blocks has a place to connect the reefing lines, which then go under the boom, up through the reefing cringle and back down to the block and then forward. The pop riveted fitting you describe on our boat is not to hold the line but is used as a fairlead for the line.
Ken, take another look at your cheek block(s) and see if there is a place to connect the line right there.

 

[Ken Cross]

I have two clew reefs and two cheek blocks on a track on the starboard side of the boom. Each of the cheek blocks has a place to connect the reefing lines, which then go under the boom, up through the reefing cringle and back down to the block and then forward. The pop riveted fitting you describe on our boat is not to hold the line but is used as a fairlead for the line.
Ken, take another look at your cheek block(s) and see if there is a place to connect the line right there.

The blocks on our boat are internal to the boom. Just the sheve sticks out. The lines are 1/2 inch (certainly oversized) but easy on the hand. With the new sail, I'm going to a single reef ( never used the second reef).

Ken

 

[Ken Cross]

Ken, The images of reefing I have viewed on line with loose footed main show the reefing line tied to the end of the boom not to a fairlead then up to the clew.

That should work for me now that I've ordered a loose foot sail thanks.

 

[jssailem]

Will be up to the boat on the 27th FEB. We can make time to check out the reefing lines then if your available.

 

[Ken Cross]

I should be available. My sails won't be in until the 28th at the earliest. Will yours be splashed then?

 

[jssailem]

Not likely. Still have work to do as I understand. Now that the temps are in the low 20's and less the opportunity to work the fiberglass is not happening. So thinking Early March.

I did get the new prop delivered.

 

[rgranger]

If the rivets are aluminum, it might be worth your while to replace them with SS rivets. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about them unless there are signs that the rivets are failing.

Hmmmm.... if the mast is aluminum, the rivets should also be aluminum.... I thinks...

 

[dlochner]

Hmmmm.... if the mast is aluminum, the rivets should also be aluminum.... I thinks...

Yes, unless you use some insulating stuff, like Tef-Gel. The eye strap is likely stainless steel, so there are dissimilar metals already involved.

 

[Ron20324]

...if the mast is aluminum, the rivets should also be aluminum.... I thinks...

Preferable, but depending on if they are in shear or not.