Boom

[Boathook]

This is at the clew end.
I think that the boom is a selden and I want to use the three sheaves for reefs. The previous owner ony used 2 reefs and used the middle sheave for the crew. They small stainless fitting, covered in housing line, is for the topping lift and looks like an afterthought the way it is attached to the casting. The mainsheet attaches to the cast aluminium fitting.
Somehow I need to add a clew lashing and ideally sort out the topping lift attachment.
I've looked on the selden site but didn't see and suitable fitting.
The blurred picture is to do with the reefing and mounted on the side of the boom. I am wondering whether I can obtain some more and fit either side with a bridle for the topping lift and clew.


Any other ideas or thoughts ?

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Install a vang / strut and do away with the topping lift.
Fit two reefs and rig an elastic mousing line between reefs 3 and 2. If you need reef 3 when reef 2 is set, untie reef 1 and pull it through the reefing clew using the elastic mouse.
The middle sheave is then used for the foot tension on the clew.

This was quite a common set up.

 

[Roberto]

I have replaced almost all boom metal fittings with dyneema strops, lashings, friction rings, webbing straps and the like. I reckon the only metal fitting eventually left will be the one for the rigid vang.
Circular dyneema strops around the boom, then strops being held parallel to the boom to determine their distance from the boom end; it all works very well; with a bit of thought I think it can all be applied to most boom configurations.

 

[Boathook]

Install a vang / strut and do away with the topping lift.
Fit two reefs and rig an elastic mousing line between reefs 3 and 2. If you need reef 3 when reef 2 is set, untie reef 1 and pull it through the reefing clew using the elastic mouse.
The middle sheave is then used for the foot tension on the clew.

This was quite a common set up.

I had thought about a "strut" but dont want to go to that expense plus I suspect that the tabernacle wouldn’t take it without modification.

 

[William_H]

Much depends on your sailing style and the size of the boat. I am guessing about 24ft from photos. One option might be to use only 2reefs first and 3rd reef . If wind looks like it could be strong before departure take first reef out and thread up to second reef. Of course if you intend long voyages where you might need 3 reefs at various times then thread up all 3.
On my little boat used for short outings if weather looks rough I will move reefing lines to second reef eyelets and rope in first reef with cord. Then I have the option while sailing of 1 reef in permanently and one more reef option. I only have lines for one reef.
Another option might be to set outhaul at a medium and not adjust. Using first reef if wind comes up a bit.
You mention side fittings on boom. If there is any chance of a head strike from boom then side fittings can make a really bad wound compared to smooth ali tubing. Hence dyneema slings etc much safer.
A screw in to end of the ali plug could hold a tang (strip of ss with hole each end for topping lift attachment.
ol'will

 

[PabloPicasso]

You could rig a 3rd reef line outside the boom. Rivet the fittings on one side. And of course a 3rd reef need not come all the way to the boom end.

That'll make it easier to get a flat deep reefed sail shape too.

 

[dansaskip]

I feel a rant coming on!
Why oh why do Seldon make a boom end fitting with only 3 sheaves?. 4 are needed, 3 for the reefs and one for the outhaul. others have mentioned ways around this but who wants to frig about untieing reef lines and the like - all bodges. When I go sailing I always want 3 reefs instantly available.
As for attaching the topping lift I would tie a rope loop around that fitting visible in the 3rd picture and attach the topping lift to that. Granted that a vang strut/rod kicker is handy to have but I'd keep the topping lift as well - I do - useful in may ways.

 

[flaming]

I feel a rant coming on!
Why oh why do Seldon make a boom end fitting with only 3 sheaves?. 4 are needed, 3 for the reefs and one for the outhaul. others have mentioned ways around this but who wants to frig about untieing reef lines and the like - all bodges. When I go sailing I always want 3 reefs instantly available.
As for attaching the topping lift I would tie a rope loop around that fitting visible in the 3rd picture and attach the topping lift to that. Granted that a vang strut/rod kicker is handy to have but I'd keep the topping lift as well - I do - useful in may ways.

I don't understand the need for 3 separate reefs. I had my cruising mainsail made up with 2 reefs, but at the equivalent of 1.5 and 3 reefs compared to "normal". In cruising mode this is absolutely fine. When cruising the times I've wanted more than 1.5 reefs I definitely didn't want only 2. The offshore race main has only 2 reefs in the "regular" positions, but in race mode a double reefed main and the storm jib will go upwind quite happily in 35 knots. Over 40 and it's trysail time. Or going home time.

For the topping lift attachment splice a dynema loop through the mainsheet attachment on the bottom of the boom, such that under tension it goes round the boom and the topping lift can be attached to it. That's basically what I have for parking the main halyard when not in use (no topping lift).

 

[mjcp]

I have a three sheave kemp/selden boom, reefs x 2, outhaul, main and topping all fitted...

What's the confusion?

M

 

[oldbloke]

No confusion, just 2 of our correspondents feel the needful instant access to 3 reefs. For me 2 reefs and a weather forecast are enough