Thread: Balanced lug reefing question

Howdy AJ,

I would be reluctant to drill a chain of holes in the boom. Two holes out near the end, preferably in an area with a bit of glass tape wrapped around it to prevent splitting.

I have drawn two options. I would definitely leave the original outhaul in black in place.

The green rope is the best option if you have a second hole.

If you don't have a second hole you can use the red method on smaller boats.

The reef points along the boom are generally a waste of time and effort in small boats - raceboats don't use them either as they slow everything down too much - I have seldom found them to be necessary at all, generally if the sail is gathered inside the reef lines before they are tightened the excess area is well controlled.

In a serious storm some form of securing around the boom is a good idea.

Big boat people use shockcord (bungee) just spiral wound round the boom going through the reef hules - not too thick either. That way if a reefing line breaks the shockcord will stretch or break rather than tearing the guts out of the sail. Then there is only one knot to be done up or undone.

Best wishes
Michael

MIK

Originally Posted by Boatmik

Howdy AJ,

I would be reluctant to drill a chain of holes in the boom. Two holes out near the end, preferably in an area with a bit of glass tape wrapped around it to prevent splitting.

I have drawn two options. I would definitely leave the original outhaul in black in place.

The green rope is the best option if you have a second hole.

If you don't have a second hole you can use the red method on smaller boats.

The reef points along the boom are generally a waste of time and effort in small boats - raceboats don't use them either as they slow everything down too much - I have seldom found them to be necessary at all, generally if the sail is gathered inside the reef lines before they are tightened the excess area is well controlled.

In a serious storm some form of securing around the boom is a good idea.

Big boat people use shockcord (bungee) just spiral wound round the boom going through the reef hules - not too thick either. That way if a reefing line breaks the shockcord will stretch or break rather than tearing the guts out of the sail. Then there is only one knot to be done up or undone.

Best wishes
Michael

MIK

Thanks heaps Michael
The chain of holes bothered me too. That's why I raised the question.
Hadn't thought of tying off the reef out-hauls to the tack & clew eyelets.
A very neat solution for a small sail.
The bungee cord idea is a good one too. Polytarp sail repair/replace cost is time.
Which is a precious commodity !! Have already cut & fitted the ties for the lower reef.
Might look at the bungee idea for the deep reef.
cheers
AJ

I had reef point eyelets in BETH and also Peter had them in his GIS.

Sailed both boats extensively - sailed Beth reefed quite frequently GIS sometimes ... never bothered doing the lacing at all... No probs!

MIK