"Reefing Madness"--Angst revisited

[RON20406]

My Pearson 34-2 has an Isomat mast and boom. The boom has internal reefing. I have never had a problem setting a reef, but always a problem shaking one out. Two years ago, I dismanteled my entire boom, checked and replaced all sheaves and blocks, and ascertained that no lines were crossed before reassembling the boom. Having used my double reef the last two times I sailed, I attempted to shake out the reef yesterday and the same problem: it will not shake out without pulling the reef lines at the mast. The lines are 3/8" daimeter and fit properly in the sheaves. I have considered trying a smaller diameter line but am not convinced it will solve the problem. Any ideas from those with similar in boom reefing? I have never liked the system and am considering installing jiffy reefing which was simple and bullet proof on my old boat. Try shaking out a reef on a moonless night with a lumpy left over sea and nothing wants to move. Best, Ron

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I've had to fix various boats with similar problems and I would suggest that even if the line is the right size for the sheave, make sure the sheave runs freely. I fixed an Island Packet boom once where there was a space for four sheaves in the end casting (I think the gooseneck end). It contained 4 sheaves, of which a pair would be on one axis pin. So, there were two levels of sheaves - with two on each level. But, who ever built the mast (either the manufacture or IP) didn't put two sheaves on the outside on one level and then the other two on the inside on the other level. They put all of them on the outside so that the upper and lower lines, both port and starboard, were rubbing against each other making reefing impossible.
The funny thing is this was the 2nd owner of the boat. So that means that the first owner dealt with this (or never reefed). The second owner was so mad over this that he was ready to sell the boat. His wife would not get on board anymore and he thought if he could not use the mainsail properly, he would get rid of the boat. Well, I took his boom apart and found this problem. I also noted that the way the reefing line was routed (and he may have had a similar problem with the mainsheet), they went through so many blocks and took so many turns that this also impeded the smoothness of the system. At any rate, I fixed his problem and he was forever thankful. It was like he had a new boat in his eyes. Someone had their head up where the sun didn't shine when they put that boom together.

 

[RON20406]

Barnacle Bill, I'm going to look at the sheaves and pins again in the gooseneck for abrasion/constriction. I cannot recall now if the sheaves were staggered and I'll look at that also. Thanks for the good ideas. Best, Ron

 

[NYSail]

I have the same mast and set up... and HAD the same problems. I removed the sheaves from inside the mast and instead have a single line that runs internal that does a fabulous job. My line basically runs from my cockpit, up the mast to the reef point, back down the mast and into the boom.. out the back up to the aft reef point then tied down on the boom. Works great putting in the reef and there is no shaking out.... runs out when released.

I am going to be in Northport one of these next weekends coming up and would be more than happy to show you.

Regards
Greg

 

[RON20406]

NY Sail and Bill, Thanks again for the input. I'm going to take a look at it again this weekened and readdress line diameter, restriction and fairleads. I'll keep you posted. thanks, Ron