Reefing Method Debate.

[Peter]

I think the roller vs slab reefing debate resembles the outboard vs inboard engine debate. Both systems have their pros and cons. (My personal preferences are: inboard Diesel and slab reefing).

Apart from in-mast or in-boom furling (which isn't reefing), nobody seems to be making roller reefing setups anymore. That should tell you something.

One of the cons of roller reefing is that you loose sail shape, making it harder to beat to windward. A slab reefed main will sail closer to the wind than a roller reefed one ... a great advantage when beating off a lee shore.

When I converted my bagged-out old main to slab reefing I was amazed what a nice flat panel it gave me. Also, it takes less me than 2 minutes to pull in a slab, which encourages earlier reefing. I disagree with some of the points brought up on converting over:

- Adding slab reefing points to an existing sail is not a major job ... a matter of adding reinforcing patches and eyes at the luff and clew points, and adding the hardware and rigging on the boom.

- No recutting of the basic sail shape is necessary.

- The round Vega boom is not a strength issue.

- A bolt rope footed main poses no problems in slab reefing.

- A sliding gooseneck is not a requirement.

I believe that the better speed and safety of slab reefing make it a very worthwhile modification, especially for single-handed sailing.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[j.hunter9999]

Cheers, Peter. It is largely a matter of preference. I made the conversion this year, with two reef points. The additional reef points were $90 put in by someone else. We checked it out in 35kts and did some minor fine tuning the next day. Since all the lines are run to the mast, it now takes less than 2 minutes to put in a reef. If I'm late, it takes less!

It is largely a matter of preference. As one who single-hands often, the slab reefing is just much easier. There may be improved performance, but that wasn't my primary purpose. The best idea is to sail for awhile with the roller reefing. If you hate it, you can always complete the conversion later.

BTW, I'm thinking about putting on an outboard when/if the diesel ever quits and I get tired of repairing it (which I hope won't be for many years). We had so little wind coming in to the marina late last night, I actually broke out one of the dinghy oars and rowed us up to the ball. I made 1.5 knots with that little oar. Perhaps I should consider just installing sweeps!

Hope everyone that has a sailing "season" is enjoying it!

Arrivederci. (My wife is making me take Italian.)

Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[vega1860]

Hi Peter,

I didn't know we were debating. d;^)

I am not an expert or an authority by any means. My opinions on this matter are based on discussions with sail makers in Honolulu and in Port Townsend and of course on my own experience.

Surely, you CAN use slab reefing with a round, fixed-height boom and main sail fitted with a bolt rope attachment at the foot. However, I don't believe you would design a slab reefing system that way and I have never seen one (Doesn't mean they don't exist though). Therefore I am led to the conclusion that the usual set-up is superior to the round section, fixed position boom with a bolt-rope attached sail.

I paid almost $200 to have one reef point added to our main at Art Nelson Sail Makers in Honolulu in 2007. It may have been a simple job. I wouldn't know. All I know is what it cost me.

I don't dispute that slab reefing is superior, especially for a single hander. If I had to replace it all I would certainly go with a conventional slab reefing system. Having said that, as long as what I have still works, it doesn't need fixing. For us, "The cost/benefit equation does not pencil" as my former employer used to say.

"Fair Winds"

Chuck Rose
SV Lealea, V1860

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