Around boom reefing systems

[noswellplease]

I am thinking of installing a easyrroll reefing system made by ACMO on a 31 foot Trintella. I was wondering if any members had used this or similar round the boom system and what they thought of it. My boat is a heavy displacement type with slab reefing and as I do a lot of solo sailing I would like a system that is easy to use and also durable. Any comments appreciated.

 

[Billjratt]

Don't know ACMO, but I had SAILTAINER on a 39footer.The only problems I met were the boom-mast angle had to be 89degrees, which meant a solid kicker. If the sail flogged, the whole boat jumped up and down in the water... lot of strain on the fittings. Also, you need drag tension on the halliard as you wind in the reefing line - two mast winches - and it can roll unevenly if you don't watch it. However if it does jam at an awkward time, just pull it down and lash it to the boom as normal - unlike in-mast,. which can jam for good!

 

[webbsheepish]

I had an ACMO system on a Jaguar 27 and I have to say it was terrible!

If the boom was anything other than 90 degrees to the mast it was very difficult to roll away the main. I had problems with the bearings which were replaced FOC by ACMO directly from France as the UK agent did not want to know even thought the system was only 2 years old.

I now have a single line reefing system on a different boat which I find very easy and simple to use in all weather I want to be sailing in!

 

[Bodach na mara]

I supplemented the roller system on my last boat with slab reefing. Much better set and quicker. The change became permanent when the roler worm drive jammed solid.

On my Renown, there is the original through mast Proctor system. I never use it, preferring the slab system again.

 

[noswellplease]

Thanks for those views its been most helpful.I went and viewed a system over the weekend on a boat and thought the system looked very flimsy. It's going to be single line reefing back to the cockpit and reefing lines there to be used when required....Russ