BERT T
Well-Known Member
What are the pros and cons of fitting a reefing claw to attach the kicker to the boom. Does it damage the sail?
Reefing claw
- Thread starter BERT T
- Start date
Quandary
Well-Known Member
Perhaps a bit more detail of what you propose?
I presume the reefing claw will have to stay at right angles to the boom but not slide along it, acting vertically. How will you reconcile that with the angle pull of the kicker?
I presume the reefing claw will have to stay at right angles to the boom but not slide along it, acting vertically. How will you reconcile that with the angle pull of the kicker?
VicS
Well-Known Member
I guess you are thinking if fitting a claw ring for the kicker because you have roller reefing.
I converted my mains'l to slab reefing to improve its set when reefed. Being now able to fit a kicker directly to the boom instead of using a claw ring is distinct improvement also.
The diameter of the claw ring lowers the attachment point for the kicker with the result that the angle of the kicker is shallower and/or closer to the mast, reducing its effectiveness.
The need for a "guy" from the ring to the boom end is a nuisance and I found it bent the main sheet swivel to which it was attached.
You might like to consider rolling in a webbing strap to attach the kicker to as an alternative to the claw ring.
I did not notice any damage to the sail.
I converted my mains'l to slab reefing to improve its set when reefed. Being now able to fit a kicker directly to the boom instead of using a claw ring is distinct improvement also.
The diameter of the claw ring lowers the attachment point for the kicker with the result that the angle of the kicker is shallower and/or closer to the mast, reducing its effectiveness.
The need for a "guy" from the ring to the boom end is a nuisance and I found it bent the main sheet swivel to which it was attached.
You might like to consider rolling in a webbing strap to attach the kicker to as an alternative to the claw ring.
I did not notice any damage to the sail.
Q
quimby
Guest
This seems to be the way to work it!
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VicS
Well-Known Member
The above is one solution I suppose.
This is how mine was rigged:
but I now have a kicker simply attached to the keyhole plate:
This is how mine was rigged:
but I now have a kicker simply attached to the keyhole plate:
Q
quimby
Guest
How does the roller reefing work then? With the kicker fixed to the keyhole plate!
The system used with the wood allows you to reef and still have use of the kicker. Not my system, just one seen on an Achilles 24.
The system used with the wood allows you to reef and still have use of the kicker. Not my system, just one seen on an Achilles 24.
Fantasie 19
Well-Known Member
As above VicS has transmogrified to slab reefing....
My claw attaches as per VicS drawing - the claw is positioned in much the same place as the key hole slot in the second picture - the kicker holds it on one direction, and a fixed line to the swivel at the mainsheet end of the boom holds it in the other direction (it needs to be able to swivel when you roll on the sail)...
When not reefed the claw rollers sit on the boom - they don't touch the sail...
When reefed the sail rolls round the boom, "inside" the claw, but the rollers on the claw protect the sail..... (let the kicker completely off before roller reefing do that claw can rotate with the boom more easily)
I'm slightly unusual in that I quite like the roller reefing now I'm used to it...
BERT T
Well-Known Member
Thanks quimby, I can develop that idea as this is also for an Achilles 24. I think it could be done using a piece of aluminium tube.
VicS
Well-Known Member
One does not attach the kicker to the keyhole plate with roller reefing!
Covert to slab reefing and you can use the keyhole plate
The reefing is better and as a bonus the kicker is better
no planks of wood needed, nor aluminium tubes for that matter
parbuckle
Well-Known Member
Lost my reply to the ether... is there a time limit on typing a reply ?
to make it short yes 2 small holes 10mm dia could be caused by flogging mainsl and poor design
to make it short yes 2 small holes 10mm dia could be caused by flogging mainsl and poor design
VicS
Well-Known Member
Mine was a pain! Ok for one or two rolls but after that the boom end drooped to the point that it was whacking me round the ears on every tack.
Tried rolling in sail bag .. it worked once but I forgot it was there and it was last seen drifting out to sea through the harbour entrance.
Slab reefing also allows the new foot to be properly tensioned.
VicS
Well-Known Member
No there is not actually a time limit except that you are logged out after a certain time ( 5 mins , 10 minutes not sure) but if you have the auto log in thing activated you will automatically be logged back in when you submit your post. When it all works properly you wont notice but when things go bit awry you are likely to lose your hard work.
Simple precaution is to highlight and copy ( control C) your work before hitting the submit button. Then when the system does go "tits up" you have not lost it.
DaveS
Well-Known Member
If you use Firefox you can get a very useful add-on called Textarea Cashe which automatically stores your typing for retrieval when things go wrong.
Austerby
Well-Known Member
I too have an Achilles 24 and have purchased a reefing claw but not fitted it yet - I was planning on using a rod from the claw to the mast to keep it in position, but haven't sourced one yet.
Interested in whatever approach you take - please post updates.
Fantasie 19
Well-Known Member
Me too... I guess you could use any old bit of rod/pole/wood with a shackle at each end, but I'm interested in how you would adjust it to add/remove tension to the boom.....
Slycat
Well-Known Member
reefing
I've also an achilles 24' and just conveted from my roller reefing to slab reefing and will never look back!
Roller is too limiting and with all the gubbins you need to get the claw to work something is bound to go wrong when using it in adverse weather. It got to the point where in a pinch I just dropped the main when sailing solo in tough conditions because reefing was such a hassle.
With slab reefing I can do the whole thing from the cockpit.
I went with single line reefing but may swap to two line reefing next season for less friction in the system.
Chris
http://www.causewaycoastsailing.com
I've also an achilles 24' and just conveted from my roller reefing to slab reefing and will never look back!
Roller is too limiting and with all the gubbins you need to get the claw to work something is bound to go wrong when using it in adverse weather. It got to the point where in a pinch I just dropped the main when sailing solo in tough conditions because reefing was such a hassle.
With slab reefing I can do the whole thing from the cockpit.
I went with single line reefing but may swap to two line reefing next season for less friction in the system.
Chris
http://www.causewaycoastsailing.com
VicS
Well-Known Member
That is without doubt in my mind the best solution. Spot on!
PuffTheMagicDragon
Well-Known Member
+1 for slab reefing.
It was one of the first conversions that I made to the Centaur that I had until a few months ago. The primary advantages that I noticed (in my case) were speed in reefing and better sail shape that was easier to adjust for efficiency. The conversion is not beyond the skills of a DIY person; basically it only requires the ability to sew on some reinforcement patches prior to the fitting of cringles and access to a pair of lazy tongs for riveting the reefing blocks to the boom.
It was one of the first conversions that I made to the Centaur that I had until a few months ago. The primary advantages that I noticed (in my case) were speed in reefing and better sail shape that was easier to adjust for efficiency. The conversion is not beyond the skills of a DIY person; basically it only requires the ability to sew on some reinforcement patches prior to the fitting of cringles and access to a pair of lazy tongs for riveting the reefing blocks to the boom.
parbuckle
Well-Known Member
Thanks for tips on posting .
One of the best additions to slab reefing I have is lazyjacks combined with a mainsl stacker packer, this avoids tying up the loose folds with one hand whilst balancing on your ear, also all those gaskets trying to capture a slippery sail when lowering . I often dont zip up until moored as this allows quick raising in emergency it is a boon to singlehanders .
One of the best additions to slab reefing I have is lazyjacks combined with a mainsl stacker packer, this avoids tying up the loose folds with one hand whilst balancing on your ear, also all those gaskets trying to capture a slippery sail when lowering . I often dont zip up until moored as this allows quick raising in emergency it is a boon to singlehanders .
Slycat
Well-Known Member
Slab reefing
I should also add that I was able to install slab reefing by buying a handful of blocks from ebay and some (very long!) line. No need for super expensive 'off the shelf reefing systems (tm)'.
At the end of the day its just blocks and lines.
I was lucky in that my boom already had some eyelets riveted on at the right points for me to attach blocks but riveting eyes to a boom shouldn't be too difficult.
Chris
I should also add that I was able to install slab reefing by buying a handful of blocks from ebay and some (very long!) line. No need for super expensive 'off the shelf reefing systems (tm)'.
At the end of the day its just blocks and lines.
I was lucky in that my boom already had some eyelets riveted on at the right points for me to attach blocks but riveting eyes to a boom shouldn't be too difficult.
Chris