Boom cleats

[smithy]

I am changing over to slab reefing from the old roller boom system. I have sliding cheek blocks on the side of the boom but no sure what kind of cleats to use, jamming or horn? Any suggestions? 29ft boat

 

[VicS]

I used jamming cleats ... ran the reefing lines through a couple of eye straps between the cheek blocks and the cleats

Barton suggest horned cleats though http://www.bartonmarine.com/tech-in...g_Instructions_For_Slab_Reefing_Kit_41484.asp

BTW fit on the same side as your halyard ... dont ask why I say this!

 

[Rossynant]

My choice - horned jam cleats Not so sure what OP calls jamming, if clam kind, like this http://www.sailboats.co.uk/Catalogue~Clamcleat_CL209_Midi~p_CL-CL209~c4609.html then it's not secure, line can be shaken out.
Jamming cleat for me is one with narrowing space under one side, something like:
http://www.thaiteakmarine.com/catalog/images/px407409.jpg
http://www.go2marine.com/product/209454F/schaefer-black-jam-cleat.html
http://marinestore.co.uk/Nylon_Jam_Cleat_63_mm___Pair.html

Haul and jam line in, with one flip of hand; secure at leisure.

 

[VicS]

The ones I used were clamcleats with a fairlead

http://www.clamcleat.com/cleats/cleat_details.asp?theid2=96

Marginally more secure than those without fairleads but I'd use horned cleats like Barton show if I did it again

 

[Rossynant]

Well, I wouldn't use those without a fairlead Nothing wrong with such when they are new, and line is new and right diameter, etc. But horns somehow seem more trustworthy. With jamming kind the line will stay put also without making a hitch, at least for some time, so more convenient than normal horn cleat.

 

[Amulet]

My solution is these cheek blocks with jammers. You can heave down hard on the line and then jam it.

 

[William_H]

Reefing Well I have taken all my reefing lines back to the cockpit. However regarding cleats I love horn cleats. So foolproof and never slip. Half a turn around gives enough friction to enable you to really tighten up the line then wrap around more and you are done.
good luck olewill

 

[aquaplane]

A previous owner went from roller boom reefing to slab reefing with a Barton kit, I have horn cleats and they work OK.

 

[John the kiwi]

I had slab reefing with jamb cleats on the boom on my 26 ft TS.
Actually pulling down a reef in a strong wind and with a good sea running and the boom shaking around was a considerable challenge. Worse though was that with no additional purchase i could not tension the foot enough to flatten the sail. If your reefed sail ends up baggier than your flattened full sail, you can be worse off in terms of capsizing forces.
Running the reefing lines through a clutch to a winch in the cockpit has meant that all the drama was taken out of the reefing exercise and i can really get some tension on the foot of the sail. Getting the reefed sail properly flattened has made a big difference to sailing speed and also comfort.

 

[Amulet]

I had slab reefing with jamb cleats on the boom on my 26 ft TS.
Actually pulling down a reef in a strong wind and with a good sea running and the boom shaking around was a considerable challenge. Worse though was that with no additional purchase i could not tension the foot enough to flatten the sail. If your reefed sail ends up baggier than your flattened full sail, you can be worse off in terms of capsizing forces.
Running the reefing lines through a clutch to a winch in the cockpit has meant that all the drama was taken out of the reefing exercise and i can really get some tension on the foot of the sail. Getting the reefed sail properly flattened has made a big difference to sailing speed and also comfort.

Have something of the same problem, but find that if you hoick the boom up on the topping lift it ain't too hard.

 

[smithy]

Thanks for all the replies, will go for the horned jam type then as it looks like I can still keep a hand free for hanging on!