reef grommets needed

[Contest1]

I need to convert from roller reefing to the traditional 3 reef points system.
Got an outrageous quote from a local sailmaker so going the diy route.
Have access to a good sewing machine but can,t source good quality grommets.
Any one know were to buy stainless spur grommets this side of the Atlantic?

 

[sarabande]

Kayospruce

http://www.kayospruce.com/index.asp...f=Fixings and Fasteners&InBox=Grommets&cct=11


The key to grometting is a very good press.


EDIT

I forgot to say that they have a very supportive telephone , err, support team.

 

[ianat182]

Whilst the idea of adding grommets for reefing points sound easy it needs to be done with a long arm machine, not your normal domestic one. Sew your re-inforcing patches each side first; the grommets at the luff and leach are the ones taking most strain and will need at least three thicknesses,possibly five at these points. A hydraulic press is used to crimp the stainless toothed grommets, a hammer and punch will not do it .
+1 for the Kayospruce source.

Whilst you local sailmaker sounds expensive sending the sails away could kill any 'cheap' pricing offered, by the delivery costs.

ianat182

 

[Daydream believer]

Lot of work involved. Do not forget leech as well as luff
Why change the roller reefing. Spreads the sail load better on the cloth
Does need a knack to get it right & not as good as single points
But is it worth the cost & hassle adapting boom etc & extending lines plus extra blocks etc

 

[Contest1]

Thanks for the tips
Have the press, can turn the tool.
Also the sewing mc is an industrial model, tho I havn,t seen it yet.
Was thinking of a more basic reefing strategy. Keep the boom, secure the tack cringle at the mast , use straps instead of rope to secure to the boom and tension the clew as normal. No lines led back or lazy lines.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Thanks for the tips
Have the press, can turn the tool.
Also the sewing mc is an industrial model, tho I havn,t seen it yet.
Was thinking of a more basic reefing strategy. Keep the boom, secure the tack cringle at the mast , use straps instead of rope to secure to the boom and tension the clew as normal. No lines led back or lazy lines.

You could just sew on stainless rings webbed on ,then you don't need to source a press tool.You don't need a long arm machine either ,just good double sided tape to secure the patches whilst you get it lined up to sew.Careful rolling and folding will let you get the fabric positioned.
Cindy

 

[Contest1]

You could just sew on stainless rings webbed on ,then you don't need to source a press tool.You don't need a long arm machine either ,just good double sided tape to secure the patches whilst you get it lined up to sew.Careful rolling and folding will let you get the fabric positioned.
Cindy

Thanks.
Could it be that easy, were do I get the gear?

 

[sarabande]

what gear do you need ?

The material (thread, reinforcing tape, sticky tape) is from Kayo, as suggested.

A long arm sewing machine would be useful, but I reckon a standard heavy duty one will cope with a smallish main if it's rolled up properly to pass through the throat.

If you buy an industrial one, e.g. Brother , and they do go for peanuts sometimes on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_s...-chair+-thread+-needles&_pgn=7&_skc=300&rt=nc


Loads of diagrams showing ideas for reefing setups here:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...h0QWNiIGIBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=1089

The reinforcing strips are here:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...0,d.d2k&fp=472d8fa2366a2b34&biw=1024&bih=1089

 

[Contest1]

what gear do you need ?

The material (thread, reinforcing tape, sticky tape) is from Kayo, as suggested.

A long arm sewing machine would be useful, but I reckon a standard heavy duty one will cope with a smallish main if it's rolled up properly to pass through the throat.

If you buy an industrial one, e.g. Brother , and they do go for peanuts sometimes on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_s...-chair+-thread+-needles&_pgn=7&_skc=300&rt=nc


Loads of diagrams showing ideas for reefing setups here:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...h0QWNiIGIBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=1089

The reinforcing strips are here:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...0,d.d2k&fp=472d8fa2366a2b34&biw=1024&bih=1089

Appologies, and thanks for the web pages.
I was asking were I could get the webed reefing rings, but maybe they are home made?

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Appologies, and thanks for the web pages.
I was asking were I could get the webed reefing rings, but maybe they are home made?

Stainless steel rings available from Kayospruce or chandleries.Use 25mm heavy duty webbing .Not polypropylene make sure its polyester.ring diameter 25 to 35 mm about 5mm thick.
Most small reef eyes across the sail can be put in with a hand press kit such as hip kiss .They can be brass or nickel plated,
Cindy

 

[SamSalter]

A couple of small design points:
The grommet at the leech is usually about 3" higher than the grommet at the luff (if you initially measure straight up from tack cringle and clew cringle) This is an attempt to keep the boom end clear of waves in heavy seas.
The reef nettles (the 3 or 4 lines that are used to tidy up the part of the sail that is hanging down) are 2" or 3" lower than a line drawn between the 2 cringles at luff and leech. This is to prevent them taking any strain. They are just there to keep all that sail material tidy.
Sam

 

[Contest1]

Stainless steel rings available from Kayospruce or chandleries.Use 25mm heavy duty webbing .Not polypropylene make sure its polyester.ring diameter 25 to 35 mm about 5mm thick.
Most small reef eyes across the sail can be put in with a hand press kit such as hip kiss .They can be brass or nickel plated,
Cindy

Thanks again,
Sewno need to put holes in the sail, except for the tie downs.
If I run the webbing verticaly and horizontaly in the direction of the load with a general reinforcing either side of the sail then I should be ok.
KISS!

 

[Contest1]

A couple of small design points:
The grommet at the leech is usually about 3" higher than the grommet at the luff (if you initially measure straight up from tack cringle and clew cringle) This is an attempt to keep the boom end clear of waves in heavy seas.
The reef nettles (the 3 or 4 lines that are used to tidy up the part of the sail that is hanging down) are 2" or 3" lower than a line drawn between the 2 cringles at luff and leech. This is to prevent them taking any strain. They are just there to keep all that sail material tidy.
Sam

Thanks, great info.