Single Line Mainsail Reef Kits

[They call me Bruce]

I have a 27' Hunter with reef points in the main but no reefing system. After a difficult time last weekend due to high winds I decided to install a single line reefing system. Unfortunately I am a relative novice and can't build one from scratch on my own. I noticed one manufacturer selling a kit for ~$190.00 - does anyone know of any plans / instructions that have been published on the internet or of other mainsail reef kits that might be cheaper (and how to order)? This might seem easy to some of you old hands but I would hate to screw things up and drill holes in the wrong places!

 

[Steve Dion]

Harken site.

Bruce:Go to the Harken site. They have great layouts for this type of thing. You can get the parts from anyone. I would suggest that you check out Garhauer Marine for the actual parts. Good equipment and good prices too.

 

[John Visser]

Why single line

I recommend two-line, traditional slab reefing. Its easy to design and make, and is actually superior functionally to single line, since you can put the appropriate tension on the clew and tack, rather than compromise as with single line. Even better, if you don't mind going to the mast to reef, would be to add a reefing hook to the boom at the gooseneck and only rig lines for however many reef clews you need. With a halyard and reef clew line terminating at the mast, you could reef at the mast wery quickly and efficiently. jv

 

[Wanderer138]

Single-line reefing

If rigged properly, single-line reefing works very well. I was taught to run the reefing line from its exit at the end of the boom (or from the cheek block) up to the reef cringle on the same side as the exit, through the cringle in the leech and then straight down on the other side to the boom. Most sails have a cringle in the foot for this specific purpose. Fasten this end of the reef line to the boom.When you reef the sail, the tension applied from the gooseneck will pull the clew down AND back. The downward pull will be almost doubled because of the 2:1 purchase, and the backward pull tensions the foot, like an outhaul. mailsail.PeterH23 "Raven"