Carbon boom protection from reefing lines

[flaming]

After some ideas / experience.

I have a carbon boom. I have yet to find a good way of protecting the boom from reefing lines. Specifically where the reefing line ties around the boom. This just seems to rapidly eat away at the lacquer. We have a sort of fabric chafe protector that the previous owner sourced, but even with that in place we find significant wear. I've also tried sticking some deck-grip patches that we are using on the spinnaker pole for grip. They looked super tough, but the reefing line has just chewed right through them.

Anyone found a solution that actually works?

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Kevlar tape and epoxy resin. Build it up a bit and sand it smooth or it will eat the reefing lines instead

 

[Trident]

What are the reefing lines made of? The flexible fire hose is quite good at anti-chafe on lines but if the reefing lines are dyneema it may not work ( though I guess you could change them to polyester sleeves dyneema core). Alternatively sand back the lacquer in the areas affected and epoxy a couple of layers of kevlar cloth over the carbon which is much harder to abrade

 

[flaming]

What are the reefing lines made of? The flexible fire hose is quite good at anti-chafe on lines but if the reefing lines are dyneema it may not work ( though I guess you could change them to polyester sleeves dyneema core). Alternatively sand back the lacquer in the areas affected and epoxy a couple of layers of kevlar cloth over the carbon which is much harder to abrade

Covered Dynema.

Was ideally looking for a non permanent solution as most of the time we sail inshore with a main that doesn't even have reef points. This is really just for cruising or deliveries.

 

[KevinV]

Perhaps the clear plastic used to protect motorcycle paintwork from wear? Basically glorified sticky back plastic, but it's quite tough and the glue survives well in a similarly harsh environment

This was just a very quick google, I'm sure you can find it in smaller pieces:
3m -Venture Shield, Paint Protection Film -0,30 x 1.50

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Perhaps the clear plastic used to protect motorcycle paintwork from wear? Basically glorified sticky back plastic, but it's quite tough and the glue survives well in a similarly harsh environment

It doesn’t have to suffer a rope rubbing it with upwards of 500kg of pressure though.

 

[KevinV]

It doesn’t have to suffer a rope rubbing it with upwards of 500kg of pressure though.

It was just thought - it would be invisible, easy to do (and undo) and much better than nothing

Surely most of the wear occurs when they're flopping about slack?

 

[Chiara’s slave]

It was just thought - it would be invisible, easy to do (and undo) and much better than nothing

Yes, I didn’t mean to shoot you down in flames. We use it on the cover boards on the XOD, to mitigate those start line caresses from our overly friendly rivals.

 

[dunedin]

Possibly create webbing loops round the boom and attach reefing lines to these - so no actual line round the boom? Could use the Velcro straps as used for the clew for example?

 

[flaming]

Perhaps the clear plastic used to protect motorcycle paintwork from wear? Basically glorified sticky back plastic, but it's quite tough and the glue survives well in a similarly harsh environment

This was just a very quick google, I'm sure you can find it in smaller pieces:
3m -Venture Shield, Paint Protection Film -0,30 x 1.50

I actually had a length of that put along the whole of the bottom of the boom this winter. The first time we reefed last week we tore it to bits.

 

[flaming]

Possibly create webbing loops round the boom and attach reefing lines to these - so no actual line round the boom? Coke use the Velcro straps as used for the clew for example?

I think this is a good idea!

 

[KevinV]

I actually had a length of that put along the whole of the bottom of the boom this winter. The first time we reefed last week we tore it to bits.

Fair enough

 

[Ingwe]

For protection I would go with the correct thickness "PROtect Chafe" tape - probably need the 500 micron version which if you haven't used it before is pretty stiff.

Once you have damaged the lacquer and just need to patch a section up I have been usinghttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VDXZM8?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_9
heard of it on SA for DIY redoing a whole spar, but it actually blends pretty well with existing lacquer and isn't too messy from a DIY point of view only thing to watch is getting runs in it if you spray on too thick.

 

[Laser310]

I race on an XP44 with a carbon boom.

North Sails made some sailcloth and webbing straps for just this purpose.

There is no adhesive or anything even semi-permanent.

I have not noticed any wear or chafe on the boom.

I am going to be on the boat tomorrow and will grab some pics.

 

[flaming]

I race on an XP44 with a carbon boom.

North Sails made some sailcloth and webbing straps for just this purpose.

There is no adhesive or anything even semi-permanent.

I have not noticed any wear or chafe on the boom.

I am going to be on the boat tomorrow and will grab some pics.

That’s weird. Our North sailmaker denied that they made such an item!

 

[Daydream believer]

Short strips of fibreglass batten strategically placed along & around the boom to keep the reef lines off the boom

 

[Laser310]

That’s weird. Our North sailmaker denied that they made such an item!

the crew call them "diapers" - not sure why...

They may not be a "stock" item - maybe just something turned out by the local loft.

I will ask what the story is

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Back to the webbing loop idea, try a climbing shop. Climbers use short dyneema slings between the protection decice in the rock and the carabiner the rope clips into, to help reduce the pull on the rope from wiggling the chock or cam device out. We use those on the XOD as sheet attachment points. They will be strength rated, and of course stitched into a loop already. 2000kg is typical.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Here’s just the sort of thing
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dmm-30cm-D...rts&sr=1-9&ts_id=453582031&xpid=TSR5d0IOHxU07
DMM are a top brand, UK based. I would, and have, trust their gear with my life.

 

[Laser310]

it took a few days, but here are the pics.

the 1'st reef strap stays in place because pf the boom shape.

the 2'nd sometimes gets lashed to something aft so it doesn't slide too far forward.

there is no visible wear on the boom.