Lazy jacks - how to decide the fixing points

[LostinFrance]

I'm fed up up fighting with my main shorthanded so I want to fit a lazy jack system this weekend. Anybody able help me with number of pulleys, cascades etc & where to fit them on the mast?
The foot is 4.4m and the luff is about 14m. Mast has twin spreaders and is 7/8 rig with a 2m tapered top. I think I have seen a number of rigs with the main attatchment point just below the top spreader but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Tranona]

Barton Marine do lazyjack kits and have schematics on their website. Even if you make up your own this may give you ideas.

 

[bilbobaggins]

Let's try - although you'll get as many ideas on here as there are bits of string. My input is based on having installed lazyjacks on a friend's Rival 34 some years ago, which did the job and didn't fail. I've done similar on earlier boats.

I'd recommend that each side P&S is independent. My suggestions are for either a 4-gang - preferred - or a 3-gang set up as shown. I recommend this is installed using cheap cord and tied-in nylon rings where practicable, to check out optimum lengths and configuration, and that it all works to your satisfaction, before spending any significant beer tokens on more robust stuff. It is certainly not recommended to install one of the proprietary kits unless one has an MP's or a Banker's sources of income....

Decide whether you will want to adjust your setup at the mast-foot, or at the boom end. It is possible to have a setup where the tails are led from the mast-foot back to the cockpit, but that involves more bits and cost, and can be accommodated once the original 'trial' layout is satisfactory.

The line(s) 'A' are of fixed length, secured to the mast at about upper spreader height, with small s/s or nylon rings at each end. Some will advocate drilling and fitting blind-fastened 'eyes' to the mast wall. I don't. I used lengths of Velcro strap around the spreader roots, initially as a trial, but which proved entirely satisfactory over several years. I found the lower termination of line(s) A best just above lower spreader height, but do tie the lower ring on with some line spare, for initial adjustment.

Line(s) B pass through the ring(s) attached to the lower end of A.

Left hand sketch

On the left-hand sketch, line(s) B are of fixed length, but again are set up, as above, with rings at their lower end(s) where they accommodate line(s) C. Leave some spare length of line, as before, to permit some initial adjustment.

Line(s) C are continuous 4-section, on each side of the sail - a 'W' shape. If adjustment-in-use is to be made at the boom-end ( i.e. from the cockpit ) then the aftermost leg of the 'W' is made adjustable. Otherwise, make the forward leg adjustable.


Right hand sketch

On the right-hand sketch, line(s) B is made adjustable at its lower( aft ) end IF the intention is to adjust-in-use from the boom-end. Line(s) C would then be fixed in length.

Otherwise, make line(s) C adjustable close to the mast-end of the boom. Line(s) B would then be fixed in length.

Boom fixings

If the main is loose-footed, then nylon rings can be secured, initially, using some cord or strapping so that their positions can be adjusted until satisfactory. Once content, than fit s/s deckeyes to the boom.
Otherwise, deckeyes will need to be blind-fastened to the boom from outset, spaced about equidistantly from each other.

Adjustment-in-use

I've found it effective to take the working, adjustable end through a boom deckeye or ring, then secured back on itself using a rolling hitch. A tidy variant is to fix a Clamcleat at the point of adjustment and simply pull down to tighten. The loose end is best terminated in an old green squash ball, to save eye injuries.

Devotees of Barton/Harken kit will encourage the use of lots of expensive little blocks. Lots of little nylon or s/s rings instead, tied off and taped, are much cheaper and every bit as effective.

There are lots of variants.....

 

[oceanpilgrim]

Hi i have the drawing setup on the left on my boat and it works great,only differance is rope a is led down the mast to a cleat at boom height with spare line to lower the lazyjack setup to put the sail cover on,look around marina's ect for idear's,ocean pilgrim

 

[Blue5]

We went through the same process, I walked around the marina to check out all the variations. Set up is similar to Bilbobaggins drawings. After initial installation where they are fixed to the mast I chose to use small blocks and return the lines to deck level for adjustment which has proved a worthwhile modification.

 

[LostinFrance]

That's superb bilbobaggins! Thanks very much for that.
Velcro, what a good idea, that's what holds the clew of my main to the boom but I never gave it a thought for anything else except for holding on seat cushions.

 

[Salty John]

Here's a sketch that might help. (It's by Bruce Bingham from Dan Spurr's Boatbook).

I've seen a variation where there are two light bungee cords holding the lazyjacks on each side out to the spreaders or shrouds. When you slack them off at the mast the bungies pull the lazyjacks open to avoid snagging when hoisting an dropping the main.
I've used various systems from time to time and I must say I've always found lazyjacks to be a complication I could live without.

 

[bilbobaggins]

Yep, that's what has been called the Swedish system, I believe. They all work, and all have their devotees. "Different ships, different longsplices...."

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I must say I've always found lazyjacks to be a complication I could live without.

[/ QUOTE ]

Some swear by them, and some swear at them....

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