I would like to install a sail leafing system for the main sail. Is there a specific lazyjack system that works better than others? Who has experience with the pocket systems? Tom
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My two cents, probably not worth. . . .
that much however. But I bought the EZ-Jack system and it sits in my basement. That is because I thought I might prefer the Mack Pack that others have promoted here(www.macksails.com). Now this is probably dumb but the aesthetics of a sailboat mean something to me. I don't like the looks of the Doyle system or the Mack Pack sitting on top of the boom. For looks AND ease of flaking the Dutchman looks to be the answer. But it is expensive and requires sail modification. I have no idea how any of these affect sail shape and trim. Since my H37C main is not that large I'll probably go ahead and install the EZ-Jacks(www.ezjax.com). Or the Pro-Furl boom, it's only about $8500. and you still need to cover it!
that much however. But I bought the EZ-Jack system and it sits in my basement. That is because I thought I might prefer the Mack Pack that others have promoted here(www.macksails.com). Now this is probably dumb but the aesthetics of a sailboat mean something to me. I don't like the looks of the Doyle system or the Mack Pack sitting on top of the boom. For looks AND ease of flaking the Dutchman looks to be the answer. But it is expensive and requires sail modification. I have no idea how any of these affect sail shape and trim. Since my H37C main is not that large I'll probably go ahead and install the EZ-Jacks(www.ezjax.com). Or the Pro-Furl boom, it's only about $8500. and you still need to cover it!
EZ-Jack System
We have used the EZ-Jack system on our boat (Hunter '28) for the past five years and have been very happy with it. It is conveniently out of the way when not in use and requires no modifications to your current sail cover. It was relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, this system does not automatically flake your sail, but makes it much easier to do yourself. Just another 2 cents worth.
We have used the EZ-Jack system on our boat (Hunter '28) for the past five years and have been very happy with it. It is conveniently out of the way when not in use and requires no modifications to your current sail cover. It was relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, this system does not automatically flake your sail, but makes it much easier to do yourself. Just another 2 cents worth.
Lazy Jacks by Owner
My Hunter 34 has my own lazy jacks.. Believe me, they are not that hard to make. Think about it.. analyse it.. read about it.. do it yourself.. ain't a big job.. Regards, Jim
My Hunter 34 has my own lazy jacks.. Believe me, they are not that hard to make. Think about it.. analyse it.. read about it.. do it yourself.. ain't a big job.. Regards, Jim
The cheap solution
Cheapskate that I am, I examined all the options for several years, and found the cost excessive for what you get. The Harken kit seems to have the right idea, but it requires modifications to the sail cover and includes blocks that constantly chafe the mainsail. I installed a system similar in concept to the Harken system on the advice of Evans Starzinger (Beth Leonard's companion). When they circumnavigated their Shannon 38, a New Zealand sailmaker offered an inexpensive solution to the lazy jack problem that I have applied to my H-34. Install two small, cheap blocks on the second spreaders, about 1' out from the mast. Purchase two small (.5" to 1" dia.) stainless steel rings, 200' of small diameter braided nylon line, and two small plastic cleats. All available at West Marine. One end of a length (perhaps 30' - but you will have to experiment)of nylon line is tied to one side of the aft bail of the mainsheet, run through one of the stainless rings, and the other end to the forward mainsheet bail on the same side of the boom. A second length of nylon is tied to the ring and lead through the block on the second spreader and back to a point about half way between the forward bail of the mainsheet and the gooseneck. Install one of the cleats at this location and secure the line to the cleat. Repeat the process for the other side of the boom. Allow enough line so that the all of the lazyjack can be gathered and looped around the reefing hook at the gooseneck. Hence the lazyjacks can be gathered and removed just like the EZ Jack system. Before the main is hoisted, the lazy jacks are set (I usually do it at the dock) and tensioned. They can be left up while sailing, or removed for long passages so that they do not chafe the sail. I have found this unnecessary as the system is light enough (there are no blocks to chafe) that it has caused no problems. I have used this for about three years now, and have been satified with the results. The only down side may be the use of the light nylon braided line. It may chafe on the stainless rings, but I have seen no wear so far. This is a cheap, satisfactory solution to the problem that can be executed by and do-it-yourselfer. The biggest hassle is fasteneing the blocks to the second spreader. I did mine while the mast was down for other reasons.
Cheapskate that I am, I examined all the options for several years, and found the cost excessive for what you get. The Harken kit seems to have the right idea, but it requires modifications to the sail cover and includes blocks that constantly chafe the mainsail. I installed a system similar in concept to the Harken system on the advice of Evans Starzinger (Beth Leonard's companion). When they circumnavigated their Shannon 38, a New Zealand sailmaker offered an inexpensive solution to the lazy jack problem that I have applied to my H-34. Install two small, cheap blocks on the second spreaders, about 1' out from the mast. Purchase two small (.5" to 1" dia.) stainless steel rings, 200' of small diameter braided nylon line, and two small plastic cleats. All available at West Marine. One end of a length (perhaps 30' - but you will have to experiment)of nylon line is tied to one side of the aft bail of the mainsheet, run through one of the stainless rings, and the other end to the forward mainsheet bail on the same side of the boom. A second length of nylon is tied to the ring and lead through the block on the second spreader and back to a point about half way between the forward bail of the mainsheet and the gooseneck. Install one of the cleats at this location and secure the line to the cleat. Repeat the process for the other side of the boom. Allow enough line so that the all of the lazyjack can be gathered and looped around the reefing hook at the gooseneck. Hence the lazyjacks can be gathered and removed just like the EZ Jack system. Before the main is hoisted, the lazy jacks are set (I usually do it at the dock) and tensioned. They can be left up while sailing, or removed for long passages so that they do not chafe the sail. I have found this unnecessary as the system is light enough (there are no blocks to chafe) that it has caused no problems. I have used this for about three years now, and have been satified with the results. The only down side may be the use of the light nylon braided line. It may chafe on the stainless rings, but I have seen no wear so far. This is a cheap, satisfactory solution to the problem that can be executed by and do-it-yourselfer. The biggest hassle is fasteneing the blocks to the second spreader. I did mine while the mast was down for other reasons.
Thanks Clyde
Clyde, thanks for the info. You seem to have the best idea and I plan to do just as you describe. Thanks. Tom
Clyde, thanks for the info. You seem to have the best idea and I plan to do just as you describe. Thanks. Tom
E-Z-JAX - An easy solution.
I'm biased.... We have sold the E-Z-JAX system to many Hunter owners and have had excellent feedback. One of our customers has already responded to your questions. I'd recommend you get the Jan '96 issue of Practical Sailor which did a thorough review of current lazyjacks on the market. They rated Schaefer and E-Z-JAX "tops" among the lazyjack kits. They also priced out line, cleats, and blocks to give you an idea of how much you'll pay. It may surprise you when you add it up, not including your time in design and installation. Good Luck! Come by and see us at the Annapolis Boat Show in Booth N-6, or at www.ezjax.com.
I'm biased.... We have sold the E-Z-JAX system to many Hunter owners and have had excellent feedback. One of our customers has already responded to your questions. I'd recommend you get the Jan '96 issue of Practical Sailor which did a thorough review of current lazyjacks on the market. They rated Schaefer and E-Z-JAX "tops" among the lazyjack kits. They also priced out line, cleats, and blocks to give you an idea of how much you'll pay. It may surprise you when you add it up, not including your time in design and installation. Good Luck! Come by and see us at the Annapolis Boat Show in Booth N-6, or at www.ezjax.com.
Addendum
Tom, instead of the forward main sheet bail, I used the attachment point for the boom vang for the middle lazyjack leg. This is farther forward. The cleat is about half way between this attachment point and the gooseneck. Realized the error when I went sailing this weekend. Good luck.
Tom, instead of the forward main sheet bail, I used the attachment point for the boom vang for the middle lazyjack leg. This is farther forward. The cleat is about half way between this attachment point and the gooseneck. Realized the error when I went sailing this weekend. Good luck.
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