Slab Reefing

[j.hunter9999]

We're launching next Tuesday and of course I need a project over the summer. As such, we're having two more sets of reef points (for a total of three) put in the mainsail. So, I am once again considering the conversion to slab reefing.

My plan is to put in three, double-line reefing points. I have the general plan sketched out, but lack a couple specifics. Particularly, we have a Series 2 Vega where the boom is attached at a single point to the mast. During this process, I'd like to remove the boom, add a 12 to 24 inch track to the mast, and re-attach the boom with a downhaul.

Does anyone have a parts/supplier list with instructions? I read previous suggestions in the archives and looked at people's photos from the forum. However, none include a parts list.

I realize I should simply enjoy the season...but then I wouldn't be me!

Thanks,
Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[trevy_kins]

Hey Jack, a cunningham is a cheaper conversion (does the same thing as a
boom downhaul) seeing as you're already taking your sail off. Two reefs
are generally considered adequate. Third reef adds weight, and if
you're reefing your main down that small, you should probably be using a
storm tri-sail. Trev



________________________________

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of j.hunter9999
Sent: May 21, 2009 7:12 AM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Slab Reefing


We're launching next Tuesday and of course I need a project over the
summer. As such, we're having two more sets of reef points (for a total
of three) put in the mainsail. So, I am once again considering the
conversion to slab reefing.

My plan is to put in three, double-line reefing points. I have the
general plan sketched out, but lack a couple specifics. Particularly, we
have a Series 2 Vega where the boom is attached at a single point to the
mast. During this process, I'd like to remove the boom, add a 12 to 24
inch track to the mast, and re-attach the boom with a downhaul.

Does anyone have a parts/supplier list with instructions? I read
previous suggestions in the archives and looked at people's photos from
the forum. However, none include a parts list.

I realize I should simply enjoy the season...but then I wouldn't be me!

Thanks,
Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[j.hunter9999]

Trev,
Too late for only going with two reef points. I'm not overly concerned about the additional weight. It is a full batten main. Normally I have more problem slowing her down than anything else.

I agree about the cunningham. However, I'm hoping to eek out a couple more inches of height from the boom. I measured the distance at the top of the mast and there is at least 8 inches to play with when the main is full. So I should be able to raise the boom at least two inches...

That actually gives me an idea (light bulb on). Rather than attaching the boom to the mast on a track, is there something I can use to attach the boom to the mast about 2 inches above its current location? This would allow me to leave the roller reefing system in place. I'm thinking I could put a pin through the boom, secure a different attache point about 2 inches above the current one, and attach the boom to that.

Any ideas on hardware and how to attach the new point?

Thanks for the advice, Trev!

Jack

 

[j.hunter9999]

Trev,
Too late for only going with two reef points. I'm not overly concerned about the additional weight. It is a full batten main. Normally I have more problem slowing her down than anything else.

I agree about the cunningham. However, I'm hoping to eek out a couple more inches of height from the boom. I measured the distance at the top of the mast and there is at least 8 inches to play with when the main is full. So I should be able to raise the boom at least two inches...

That actually gives me an idea (light bulb on). Rather than attaching the boom to the mast on a track, is there something I can use to attach the boom to the mast about 2 inches above its current location? This would allow me to leave the roller reefing system in place. I'm thinking I could put a pin through the boom, secure a different attache point about 2 inches above the current one, and attach the boom to that.

Any ideas on hardware and how to attach the new point?

Thanks for the advice, Trev!

Jack

 

[j.hunter9999]

I did a search and found several posts and photos of slab reefing ideas. My goal is to run double line slab reefing to the cockpit, and run the main halyard to the cockpit at the same time. Basically, I'd have two sets of reefing points, running through blocks at the aft end of the boom, forward toward the mast, down the mast, over in line with the starboard or port side of the coach roof, then aft to a tri-cam (and to a winch for the main halyrad).

Although I've seen many pictures, I'm trying to get a shot of the block attachment at the forward end of the boom (where the leech line turns to go down toward the deck), and a shot of how the blocks are attached at the base of the mast. Does anyone have any photos like this? Any suggestions on the best way to attach the blocks? Should I attach them directly to the deck at the base of the mast? or to a collar attached to the base of the mast?

Hasta la vista,
Jack

 

[pjacobs55]

Jack,
Not exactly what you are looking for, but I thought this was a neat new wrinkle to an old slab reefing problem:

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www.dca.uk.com

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[stevebirch2002]

Ones I've seen in the UK make a collar to fit around the mast so the lines are then at the correct height for the coachroof so they can be led back to the cockpit.

Cheers

Stevie B

 

[j.hunter9999]

That's actually a pretty cool mod. I wonder how much friction is in the line(s)? That said, it seems like a low budget way to test a theory...if it didn't work, one could simply use something more traditional.

I think I'll go with the collar idea. If anyone has their mast off and wants to take some measurements, or trace the base and email it, let me know. Otherwise, I'll do it the old fashioned way...

Thanks again Steve and Peter!

Jack

 

[tom_rutter]

Hi All,
I'm confused: what's the advantage over just having two separate lines? Why
have the Y splice?
Tom2009/5/28 j.hunter9999 j.hunter9999@...

 

[Vega1447]

I think it is that when you are taking in the first reef you are also
taking in the slack on the second reefing line at the same time?

John

V 1447 Breakaway

Tom Rutter wrote:

 

[pjacobs55]

The way I see it: one less line and less hardware, and uses the same line for both reef clews.

The article states:
"The main disadvantage of conventional line reefing is that the line for the second reef hangs slack when the first is hauled down, so one is tempted to remove it altogether until needed, at which point it becomes very difficult to reeve; so, instead of the second line starting at an eye of its own, it starts attached to the first line (by knot, splice or seizing).

The revelation comes when the first reef is pulled down - the rest of the gear remains neat and instantly available for the next reef to be pulled down in its turn."

imho, certainly worth a try, as anything that reduces line clutter and works well is a definite improvement. I wonder if this could be modified to use for all three reefs ... hmmmmm .....

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[vegatern]

Jack, when I bought the boat the blocks at the base of the mast were shackled to a mast bail, like birds on a wire. The bail was through bolted to the mast about 2 inches from the deck. When I pulled the mast this winter, for the first time, I was a bit surprised to find that there was no compression tube over the bolt on the inside of the mast, so presumably it was installed with the mast in place, and it worked that way for a long time. It would be good not to over tighten the bolt, if you went this route, until the mast gets pulled and a tube installed.
This system worked fine but with three reefs was a bit crowded. I'm replacing it with a hinged step with a halyard organizer plate, but it's not yet setup.
Craig Tern 1519

 

[n6ric]

For those that have installed Slab Reefing, did you use the same roller furling boom or did you buy a new boom? If you used the same boom, how did you rig it.
Thanks,

Ric
s/v Blue Max
# 2692

 

[Vega1447]

Previous owner installed slab reefing.
Pretty simple:
"reefing bar" with two turning blocks pop-riveted or screwed to aft end of boom
A fairlead created for the two reefing lines with two sequences of dead-eyes running in parallel from aft to forward end of boom.
Two pairs of eyelets (cringles) fitted at luff and leech of your sail by sailmaker.

He also fitted a canvas strop with s/s D-rings attached to each end through the forward cringles.

When reefing, I just ease the main halyard to drop the sail enough to bring the relevant D-ring down to a permanently fixed snap-shackle attached to the gooseneck, clip it on then harden up the main halyard & use the relevant reefing line to outhaul the reefed sail.

Very simple setup. See http://jkcray.maths.ul.ie/SailingPhotos/BreakawayReefing/
for some photos I took for a friend who was makinng the same installation.

John V 1447 Breakaway

 

[j.hunter9999]

We used the same boom. I riveted two blocks on the port side of the boom, one slightly higher than the other, and put two eye fittings on the opposite side of the boom, opposite each block. I then put two jaw cams (sometimes called a clam cleats) on the forward end of the boom forward of the blocks. The clew lines run from the eyes on the starboard side, up through the clew cringle, down through the corresponding block, then forward (through another eye each), to the clam cleats.

For the tack, I installed small cleats on the mast on each side. The tack lines run up the starboard side, through the corresponding tack point, down to the cleat on the other side.

To reef, we go forward, lower the main halyard, pull down on the appropriate tack line and cleat it, raise the main halyard, then pull forward on the appropriate clew line and cleat it in the clam cleat.

I might have some photos. If not, I'll be launching in about a week and will take some shots and post them next week.

Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[n6ric]

Thanks Jack,
I'm a visual person and pictures would be great.
Ric
s/v Blue Max
# 2692

 

[SVFlyAway]

I did the same thing, well the rigger did. He screwed the blocks to the boom
with four screws each and I have ordinary cleats on the boom forward. It was
all done when I had to replace my mast and my rigger, Brion Toss, who put
the new rig together, saw no reason to buy a new boom too. They are rather
pricey. Masts and new rigging to go with them are really pricey.

Chris

 

[Vega1447]

Hi Ric: http://jkcray.maths.ul.ie/SailingPhotos/BreakawayReefing/

John