Lazy Jacks

[Marsupial]

My Jeanneau SO43 has lazy jacks, and single line reefing it all works ok but this is a new system for me.

Examining the Jeanneau solution and comparing it to other installations around I can see that there are many variations. Winter has now arrived, yes its official SWMBO has placed greenhouse heaters throughout the boat and deployed the 13.5 tog quilt!

My question is: Would time be well spent this winter modifying the lazyjack system as described below?

For example:

is it advantageous to have small blocks instead of bowlines on each
lazy line? or do they chaff the main sail?

Is it advantageous to have a block high on the mast with the
lazy lines led down and cleated off just below the gooseneck?


Cheers David






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[StugeronSteve]

Interested to hear the replies. I keep thinking about changing my standard benny system for a Barton kit that I bought cheap a few years ago.

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[snowleopard]

as there is very little movement in the lower lines there's really no benefit in having blocks there. stainless rings do the job and are pretty well chafe free. splice them into eyes (or just make eyes by stitching the cords).

a block on the mast will enable you to free off the lazyjacks and pull them forward to the mast while hoisting, it can be a real pain having the lines catch round the battens

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[geoffatstanpit]

What's much worse than having the lines snag round the battens is to have them snag round the spreaders when you do that (almost) unplanned gybe. I have had to put restraining lines from the spreader roots to the lazy-jack wires to stop that happening - after two very nasty frights!

Geoff



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[clouty]

The block up the mast with the line falls led to cleats at deck level, allowing the jacks to be freed off and pulled forward to the mast, also means your sailcoat needs no splits to allow for the lazy jacks, saving money and making a nicer fit. You'll need to include them in your frapping line though

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[Marsupial]

Thanks for that Clouty, but could you expand a bit on the frapping line, I have looked up the meaning of frapping and found to my dismay that it can have several nautical meanings.

I assume that the frapping line is to enable you sail with the lazyline "secured forward" to the mast such that it wont foul the spreaders.

or to stop the fall from frapping against the mast - or all of these.

But I am beginning to realise that rings not blocks is a good idea and a method of slackening the lazy line to prevent the batons from snagging is a good plan while hoisting the main.

Thanks everyone.

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[tugboat]

Those little stainless/ plastic blocks could chafe and are unnecessary. I use a fairly shiny finished cord and have plastic thimbles instead of blocks. These can be spliced if using 3-strand, or held with whippings if using braid. Friction is negligible.

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[john_morris_uk]

Can't speak for Clouty, but I usually assume 'frapping' refers to the technique of tying any lines that might 'slat' against the mast away from the same.

A practice that is used by some - and widely ignored by others as well - are people deaf!

(Did I hear that one Marina was charging people when they had to send someone down to silence lines slatting against the mast?)

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[johna]

If "slat" and "slatting" are the correct terms I have learned something new today. True enough the OX Dic confirms. verb to slat: flap or slap noisily

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