Lazy jacks

[Bejasus]

we have what is called Ez-Jaxs and the difference is that they do not use blocks but rings instead and they have 4 attachment points to the boom. The stack pack has a full length zip with velcro cover and a zip on front mast section also with velcro zip covers. The pack also has small mesh drain sections to allow the wet sail to drain away. The only blocks involved are on the mast just below the spreaders and the lines run down to a cleat on each side. When raising the sail, we just release the lines on each side and the Ez-Jaxs collapse out the way of the full(4) battened main so nothing catches, and then the lines are rehoisted once the sail is raised.
Being a centre cockpit boat with a full canopy, the boom is quite high as has been mentioned, so the benefit of dropping it all under control into the bag is immeasurable. So much so that I am considering fitting the same to our large fully battened mizzen.

 

[tabernacleman]

Plenty of thoughts in this thread re the pros and cons of lazy jacks and stacking systems,and making the jacks adjustable is pretty simple, my contribution concerns the method described by OP when the time comes to drop the mainsail, /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif many years ago a mate, now sadly deceased, /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif advised that when the time comes to drop the main, sail to windward, free and bye, genoa sheeted and helm either manned by SWMBO auto pilot or bungy cord. ease main sheet till main flogs and then drop it into whatever system you have, /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif even in rough weather the boat keeps sailing(preferably on starboard) so does not pitch and toss, enabling even the single handed to lash the main securely to the boom, and of course you are still sailing towards your destination /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gifand haven't started the engine yet, when all stowed, fenders out, ropes ready, fire up the engine, roll away the genoa and pick up the mooring, believe me it works, it's a long time since I clung to a mast in a boat head to wind at the harbour mouth trying to control a flogging mainsail /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif with the SWMBO on the helm worrying /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gifabout the wash of passing power boats.

 

[Robin]

We too use that method of dropping the main whilst sailing closehauled with the genoa still set. As you say it is very easy and gives a neat drop into the lazyjacks. For us with just two of us and a 41 footer we always drop & stow the mainsail in clear water outside the harbour rather than try and do it in a busy narrow channel at the very last minute. We then nearly always can still sail into the harbour with just the genoa stress and diesel free! With a normal cover we put ties on the fully battened sail in the lazyjacks but leave the cover until we are in our berth.

 

[Master_and_Commander]

Screw (or rivet) a track onto the boom with small wheels at either end, thus allowing the Lazy Jacks to be pulled for'd to the mast when sailing, then released and secured when you wish to drop the sail. Keep the same over the boom sail cover and make small slits in it for the Lazy Jacks to poke through ensuring a snug fit over the main.

Just a thought - would undoubtedly be cheaper than a custom made affair - works well imho.