Simple Reef Hook

[pclarksurf]

Saw a couple of recent discussions on reefing and found myself lacking in that mechanical arena as well. Looked at a lot of previous threads and contemplated even extending the 1/4 pin on the slide to pick up the hook but decided simple is just that. Of course I had to snap off a screw head in the process and make it more difficult than it should be-- but I also tapped the gooseneck with 1/4 -28 and solved that potential permanently.

Would prefer the hook on starboard with the reef point outhauls-- tack pin will interfere with the reef hook aligned vertical, but I'll play with it from here and see what
sticks.

 

[ShawnL]

Nice. I always wondered how others did it, since the manual really doesn't go into too much detail.

 

[Gene Neill]

I've always been intrigued with the idea. Eagerly awaiting sea trial report.

 

[pclarksurf]

Will definitely try and get some pics in action …and report back

 

[pclarksurf]

Typical -- 100 degrees and no wind, but on the water is cooler than the parking lot. Decided I like the reef hook on the port side-- aligns well with my main halyard and avoids the interference with the gooseneck tack pin. The only oddity is that my reefing outhauls exist starboard-- so no matter what I do at the moment I'll have to work both sides of the mast.

I left the tack hook on the starboard side just to play with both-- didn't end up using it, but this angle does show that having the attachment point a bit farther aft than the original tack pin is not too bad. I didn't notice any stress on that first slug at all.

will have to play around with the second outhaul and a few minor housekeeping issues-- but I think it's a keeper. I went out rigged with both, may leave them both in until I get some real sailing in against a reef, but both would work:

 

[watercolors II]

The bent bolt used to hold the mainsail tack in place is also the reefing hook. Your last photo looks like this bolt has been overly tighten to a point in which it now faces towards the stern. My 1987 bolt still faces straight down.