Reefing lines jamming

Feb 16, 2021
464
Hunter Legend 35.5 Bellingham
On my 1993 Hunter Legend 35.5, the reefing lines never fail to jam when trying to reef. I’ve looked thoroughly at the setup, and it seems a fairlead leading into the offending mast mounted double block would address the issue, but I have not found a good option anywhere, short of having something machined/fabricated myself. I’m wondering what other Legend 35.5 owners have set up that is comparable. See attached pix.
IMG_4177.jpeg
 

Attachments

Aug 18, 2018
148
Hunter 410 MDR
Yep, reefing lines, I have 3 on my 410, like to get hung up on things. You're actual line looks old and looks like it may have a twist in it. A new reefing line may help. A added fairlead may just be another place to get hung up on.
 
  • Like
Likes: JoeWhite
Jan 1, 2006
7,717
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I'm not a Legend 33.5 owner and should probably refrain from responding but based solely on that pic it looks like the left most line is jammed against the mast.
I'd beg, borrow or steal a line that has a smaller diameter and similar length and test it. You could then buy some quality cordage of a smaller diameter (And better stretch and strength properties).
I don't regard double braid as suitable for reef lines. And I proved it to myself on my H356.
 

JBP-PA

.
Apr 29, 2022
670
Jeanneau Tonic 23 Erie, PA
If you could replace that double turning block with one that separated the sheaves, or maybe two singles, that might help. (Two singles seem cheaper than a double)
1000004737.jpg


This double is an over the top which wouldn't work, but shows the separation between sheaves.

1000004736.jpg
 

BrianQ

.
Jan 10, 2024
34
Hunter Legend 37.5 Havelock
It looks like a PO made some changes at the base of the mast.
This is how the reefing lines are run on my 37.5. A dock mate has a 35.5 and his line are run the same way.

Mast Base.jpg
 
Feb 16, 2021
464
Hunter Legend 35.5 Bellingham
It looks like a PO made some changes at the base of the mast.
This is how the reefing lines are run on my 37.5. A dock mate has a 35.5 and his line are run the same way.

View attachment 234780
looks good. Are your reefing lines tensioned in the picture? Mine have excess line that rests on deck when they are not tensioned, in position for full (un-reefed) hoisting of the main, per the original posting picture.
 

BrianQ

.
Jan 10, 2024
34
Hunter Legend 37.5 Havelock
The only time the reefing lines are tensioned is when the sail is reefed. When the sail is down the excess reefing lines are gathered up and put into the lowest fold of the sail on whichever side the run. As the main sail is raised the reefing lines pay out of the fold.
 

JBP-PA

.
Apr 29, 2022
670
Jeanneau Tonic 23 Erie, PA
Which blocks are those? Do you have a link?
 
Feb 16, 2021
464
Hunter Legend 35.5 Bellingham
The only time the reefing lines are tensioned is when the sail is reefed. When the sail is down the excess reefing lines are gathered up and put into the lowest fold of the sail on whichever side the run. As the main sail is raised the reefing lines pay out of the fold.
That may be a factor for my setup too. When dropping the sail, the reefing lines settle on deck, which results in them not feeding well into the offending block. This is why I was thinking of a fairlead as a solution.
 
Aug 27, 2012
101
Hunter 1990 Hunter 35.5 Toronto
Hook blocks on to where you have your vang connected, on either side That's what I do and it works fine