Boom reefing line gear - any suggestions?

[Carib]

I need to upgrade the at-mast slab reefing on my 26-footer to make the reefing lines easier to pull in and secure.

I was thinking of either using cam cleats, probably in conjunction with a simple horn cleat to hold each line more securely once it's in, or fitting jammers like these: https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/cleats/sua-mini-jammer/single-halyard-stopper-for-use-with-small-winches - but can't decide which.

Any thoughts? Can you suggest an arrangement which works particularly well?

There isn't really room on the boom (or the budget) to mount three clutches. I can't just use a cleat as the winch for the reefing lines is on the mast, so I need to hold tension in the lines while they're removed from the winch to make off (not that winching is always needed).

Thanks!

(PS - this isn't a question about leading aft..I'm happy with the at-mast arrangement for now.)

 

[ianat182]

My cheapskate method of fitting a slab reefing setup is here on the following thread. Hope it is of some help, it works very well for me.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316799&page=2


ianat182

P.S I alway tension the clew first, then bring down the luff cringle to the ram's horn, and hoist the halyard at the mast.

 

[BAtoo]

P.S I alway tension the clew first, then bring down the luff cringle to the ram's horn, and hoist the halyard at the mast.

I always hook the luff cringle on first, tension the halyard then tension the clew.....

 

[Carib]

Many thanks - so it sounds as if decent camcleats will do the job..

 

[alahol2]

I always hook the luff cringle on first, tension the halyard then tension the clew.....

Ditto. If the clew is tightened before the luff cringle is attached there wont be any tension along the foot.

 

[William_H]

Reefing line

I sail main reefed a fair bit. I have had one case of failure of the clew reefing line through chafe. There is a fair bit of load on the line especially when you haul in on the main sheet. I would use horn cleats as being very positive. I now use spectra for clew reefing line. That on a 21fter.
I sailed on a boat called Ragamuffin on Great Barrier reef. A day outing for cash. There was a series of wires lashed to the end of the boom. I asked about these. it seems that after hauling a reef in with clew line they double it up with a wire clew attachment. Mind you this was a big mainsail. I realised how big when the crew calmly climbed up the mast to the boom and walked along the boom pulling the sail cover zip. olewill