fitting slab reefing

[niccapotamus]

we have two reefs already fitted with the lines running though the boom, to jammers at the mast plus a winch on the mast to get things nice and tight - so a usual arrangement.

I want to add a permanently rigged third reef as our main is quite large and powerful.

I really want to sound out advice regarding the setup from cheek block through to the winch on the mast as I'm not sure about which fittings to get and indeed the best way of fixing them to the mast. Once we've made decisions I'll be ok with the screwdrivers, drill and tools to do the work though

in broad terms I think I need a cheek block, some bullseyes to support the line along the boom to prevent it sagging. and then something near the mast end to turn the line through 90 degrees to the winch, and some form of jammer/cleat in front of the winch somewhere

So my questions are:

1. do I need a high strength cheek block, or just normal (30 ft boat) - I was thinking of: http://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/en/Barton-Cheek-Block-Plain-Sheave/m-2944.aspx
2. how do I fix the block to the boom - can I use self tappers, or do I have to rivet. If rivets then are they monel or normal?
3. at the mast end of the boom - another bullseye on the mast to manage the 90 degree turn to the winch via a camcleat to the winch or should I use either another cheek block or a low friction eye

camcleat either
http://www.force4.co.uk/department/...mmers/allen-alloy-cam-cleat.html#.VYfHI_lVhBc
or:
http://www.force4.co.uk/department/...mcleat-aluminium-boom-cleat.html#.VYfHaPlVhBc

what are your observations, thoughts etc.

ta

nick

 

[Tranona]

That cheek block is fine - a No 2 - one at each end. That is the type that Barton use for their single line reefing kit (but not in cheek form obviously). Monel rivets with Duralec between the stainless and the aluminium. Clam Cleat is suitable, but not sure where you would mount it, and you might do better using a clutch or a jammer with a lead such as the Spinlock PXR type.

 

[niccapotamus]

thank you!

 

[wklein]

Can't you just run the line through the boom the same as the other two. Or lash the Outhaul if you don't have enough sheaves

 

[niccapotamus]

don't want to nick the outhaul if I can help it - despite being a bilge keeler we have lots of sail and rope tweaky bits that I've just started learning to use properly so I'd like to keep the adjustable outhaul so I can race other boats (whilst pretending that we are just cruising, of course!)