Converting from roller to slab reefing

[jonathankent]

I know there has been quite a few posts on the subject before, so I apologise if I am covering some things again, but I have some simpler practical questions to ask...

I am intending to have my main altered from the current roller reefing to slab, obvious reasons, and would like all lines lead aft, but:
1) Which is the best way to go - single line or double line? I don't want unecessary lines, but have read about friction problems. I intend to use 8mm braid-on-braid for the lines - same as all the others.
2) I'll have the sail altered professionally, but is it anything more than putting in a couple of eyelets? I am intending to add 2 reefs - hoping not to break the bank /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif <£50?

BTW, it is approx 90sq.ft (18' luff x 10' foot) if that makes any difference.

If anyone has any diagrams/pics of a typical setup it would be much appreciated... I've got ideas, and memories of other yachts I've sailed, but would like to see if they match up. Will post a pic of mine when all drawn /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

All advice gratefully received.

Cheers, Jonathan.

 

[kengill]

I think you'll find that most sailmakers will charge at least that per reef.

The main eyelets are pretty expensive. but don't forget you still need all the turning blocks for the boom to run the reefs inside plus the fixings for the ends of the reef lines to secure to and of course the double cringle hooks for the mast end of the boom. If you're going to do it all from the cockpit then you'll also need a set of clutches and turning blocks for the foot of the mast plus a winch to haul the reef outhaul tight

I have an old Z spars boom which could probably meet your needs with all internal pulleys etc Came off a 27 footer.

 

[vyv_cox]

I can send you a Powerpoint drawing of the set-up I have installed on my last two boats. This is a single line system using in-boom balance blocks, 2:1 at the leech, 1:1 at the luff. It's a super system that I have used for 15 years without any problems, one person can reef on virtually any point of sailing in less than a minute.

PM me your e-mail address and I'll send it.

Don't forget you will not get balance blocks inside a round boom previously used for roller reefing. You may be able to pick up a Kemp square section one second-hand.

 

[VicS]

I did mine ages ago. It's also an 18ft luff (untensioned) and the two reefing points are 33" and 66" up. I did not specify, I left the positioning to the sailmaker. At each level there are two small eyes in the body of the sailjust for tidying it up. I keep short lengths of 4mm? cord threaded through ready to use. They are not intended to take any strain.

IMHO 8mm is unnecessarily heavy for a boat this size. Mine are 6mm as are the halyards.

I bought slab reefing gear as in the pic below which is basically two cheek blocks on a short length of track with provision to attach the end of the lines to the cars (barely visible in the pics) they then go under the boom up and through the reef points in the leech, back down round the blocks and forward to cleats.

...............................

I made my own hooks for the luff.

I did not bring the lines back to the cockpit because I have a sliding goose neck and a downhaul to tension the luff (rather than using the halyard) and I could not see how I could make such a system work. I'm sure there must be a way though. For the same reasons I did not consider a single line system.

I made the mistake of fitting the track and blocks to the port side of the boom while the main halyard was (conventionally) on the starboard side. I could have altered the stuff I bought to fit the starboard side but I fitted it as it was supplied without thinking. It's best if it is all on the starboard side because then you heave to on starboard (and have right of way) to reef.

I hope that gives you a few things to think about

BTW did you ever get that outboard sorted?

 

[jonathankent]

Hi Vic,

Thanks for the info.

No outboard is still in the shed. To be honest, I haven't spent an awful lot of time with it over the past couple of weeks what with one thing and another, but I have been reading through the manual to try and improve my knowledge in the attempt something obvious might jump out at me. The boat is out for the winter now so I have got plenty of time to get it running. I am definitely going to get it running again - after all this effort, and the assistance given by you guys, it isn't going to get the better of me /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Vitalman - £50, I was only guestimating at what it might cost to have the reefs put in, the blocks, clutches, etc, etc are all on top of that. I will see what the sailmakers quote then.

Vyv_cox... I've sent you a PM.

Thanks to all the other guys who have offered advice... it definitely gives me something to think about.

 

[Avocet]

I guess the sailmakers costs will be more than £50. If it wasn't a sail designed for slab reefing, he'll have to sew reinforcing patches on at the luff and leech before puuting the cringles in. Can't remember what I paid when I had mine done but it was some years ago now.

I can also endorse the Barton slab reefing kit. Mine works well.