Single Line Reefing?

[Bob Camarena]

What's the verdict on single line reefing, lead aft? I led my halyards aft last year and have mixed feelings between the increased convenience and the significantly increased friction. I suspect that single-line reefing, led aft would have similar tradeoffs. On the other hand, it seems like it would be much safer since, if you're reefing, it's blowing. I have a rigid vang so I don't need to worry about a topping lift. I rarely put in a second reef so I'd only do #1.

 

[Ernie April]

Single-line reefing a plus

Hi, Bob--Cast my vote for single-line reefing.I installed the Harken Single Line Reefing systems - for both first and second reefs - on my former Hunter-34. These external jiffy reef systems worked wonderfully well. I could reef each in about a minute and all from the cockpit. (I found that the three or four small reef brails were not necessary when the single reef line was tight.) The Hunter had an enxeptionally tall rig so that reefing early (~18kts) was really necessary so it got used it a lot. Harken still markets these for small boats up to ~30' (~$175). I think no longer marketed for medium boats, but I have still seen them stocked in stores recently. Entirely worth it in my opinion.My current Catalina-42, came with in-boom single line reefing for the first reef. I immediately added the gear for the second reef. Again, I can tuck in a reef in about a minute. It is as simple as droping the main to a predetermined mark on the halyard than winching in the reef line until tack and clew are snug to the boom. The process is repeated for a second reef. The C-42 Mk II is stiffer and can take more wind so I don't usually tuck in the first reef until about 22-24 kts steady, the second at about 28. I do a fair amount of single-handing and I don't care to be out on the foredeck any more than absolutely necessary when I'm alone. I rather like the system.Ernie April(WindCatcher)

 

[Chuck Graser]

Single line reefing

Bob, we installed single line reefing on our C-30 a number of years ago. We have just returned from a SF to Monterey Cruise with Fleet I, and as usual, it was nice not to have to go on deck to reef. Columbine also has a rigid vang. The parts for the conversion are easy to obtain from Garhauer and West Marine. By the way, we bought a new macerator with the shaft out the back.