Shortening sail from cockpit

[Dorsey B. Smith]

For a '78 Catalina 30, what does the rigging look like that allows the main to be shortend from the cockpit. Is it something the owner could do or does it need a professional? Is ther any kit with instructions available?

 

[Richard]

it takes a bit of gear

You have a few items to add to make this happen. Do you have any existing hardware in place to lead lines aft? If not then you need tons of stuff. You need a stainless steel plate under the mast step to attach blocks to. You will need deck organizer blocks to route the lines aft. You will need to drill holes in the teak traveler blocks to let the lines through, install rope clutches, etc.On the boom you might want to mount a short section of track at the end to attach special reefing blocks to, etc.It is not an easy project.I have mine set up and I can put a reef in quickly (about 2 min). The only pain is having to go out of the cockpit to tie the three reefing lines.Richard

 

[jamie]

reefing

HI i did this on my c-30 and it was quite easy .I found that the Harken cataloque and others have various diagrams etc. on how to do thisgood luck.your sail supply store should have knowledgeable people to help