I have a 1985 Mac 25 with what looks like the standard sail from Horizon. I am quite new to sailing and I was reading about reefing the mainsail in stronger winds. I went to look on my mainsail for a way to reef it but I did not see anywhere along the luff or leech of the sail to connect it to the boom once I reduced the size of it. Is this boat and/or mainsail too small to worry about reefing or is there another way? Thanks!
Reefing the mainsail
- Thread starter stuart22320
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Same thing here
I've got the same sails with no reefs. I assumed that since the boom is a furling boom, it would be used to reef as well. Although you would loose the use of any sail controls such as vangs and kickers. Maybe some veterans will chime in.
I've got the same sails with no reefs. I assumed that since the boom is a furling boom, it would be used to reef as well. Although you would loose the use of any sail controls such as vangs and kickers. Maybe some veterans will chime in.
Main rolling
Hi Stuart, These sails were intended to be reefed by rotating the boom. This is very easy to do. you just pull the boom out from the square, spring-loaded thingie that connects to the mast and rotate it. When you have the right amount of sail down, push the boom back in. The sail just rolls up on the boom Be sure to release some of the main halyard. You may have a bolt or pin to remove first. There are a few minor problems, as CaptH20 noted, but it is really a pretty neat system. Another advantage over standard reefing is that there are no reef points to tear out if a big gust hits you, which can ruin your sail as well as your afternoon. The biggest problem I have found is that the sail gets a little dirty if you reef a lot. Happy sailing. May you always be on a broad reach!
Hi Stuart, These sails were intended to be reefed by rotating the boom. This is very easy to do. you just pull the boom out from the square, spring-loaded thingie that connects to the mast and rotate it. When you have the right amount of sail down, push the boom back in. The sail just rolls up on the boom Be sure to release some of the main halyard. You may have a bolt or pin to remove first. There are a few minor problems, as CaptH20 noted, but it is really a pretty neat system. Another advantage over standard reefing is that there are no reef points to tear out if a big gust hits you, which can ruin your sail as well as your afternoon. The biggest problem I have found is that the sail gets a little dirty if you reef a lot. Happy sailing. May you always be on a broad reach!
Thanks Ed...
I wanted to make sure that it was made for reefing as well. On My '85 there is a thumb screw that needs to be loosened before rolling. Personally, I'd rather give up the vang for the roller reefing. As Ed said, the roller reefing on the boom spreads the sail load accross the entire sail rather than just a few points. I belong to the F-Boat list, Ian Farrier trimarans and early Farrier designed Corsairs. Fairly high performance boats. A lot of these guys use furling booms on their stationary and rotating masts and use the furling boom for reefing as well. So maybe vang control isn't as important as a strong even reef. Jerry
I wanted to make sure that it was made for reefing as well. On My '85 there is a thumb screw that needs to be loosened before rolling. Personally, I'd rather give up the vang for the roller reefing. As Ed said, the roller reefing on the boom spreads the sail load accross the entire sail rather than just a few points. I belong to the F-Boat list, Ian Farrier trimarans and early Farrier designed Corsairs. Fairly high performance boats. A lot of these guys use furling booms on their stationary and rotating masts and use the furling boom for reefing as well. So maybe vang control isn't as important as a strong even reef. Jerry
Pros and cons to both methods
As stated by earlier replies, Your system is likely a roller furling system. No reef points to rip out but I think you'll be unable to use the vang or boomkicker and will also have to readjust the topping lift. This last one, depending on whether your adjustment cleat is on the boom or the mast may also become difficult. Reefing points can be added to a sail by a good loft. Since the sail on my modest V21 is original, I had only one deep reef point added and hope to get a few more years from the main(the jib is a new furling one). Make sure the hardware for the reefing is adequate and installed properly(tapped or thru-bolted and not self-tapping screws).
As stated by earlier replies, Your system is likely a roller furling system. No reef points to rip out but I think you'll be unable to use the vang or boomkicker and will also have to readjust the topping lift. This last one, depending on whether your adjustment cleat is on the boom or the mast may also become difficult. Reefing points can be added to a sail by a good loft. Since the sail on my modest V21 is original, I had only one deep reef point added and hope to get a few more years from the main(the jib is a new furling one). Make sure the hardware for the reefing is adequate and installed properly(tapped or thru-bolted and not self-tapping screws).
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