reefing lines back to cockpit - don't have them, should we???

[niccapotamus]

Nice one guys. A plan has evolved

step 1. find a second hand winch and install on the mast so at least I can put a proper reef in, and mark the main halyard so I know how far to drop it ready to reef.
step 2. when we have the standing rigging done towards christmas time this year I will then have a genuine opportunity to grill a rigger and get them to specify the kit to do the job back in the cockpit and hopefully the money available to do it - will decide at that point how many bits of string we need.

thanks very much for the helpful replies.

cheers

nick

 

[ghostlymoron]

Without doubt cockpit based reefing is a boon to single handers and less agile sailors (like me). I'm not quite persuaded by single line systems although many sailors like them. Whatever remote system is used, friction needs to be minimised and don't forget to take the weight of the boom with the topping lift or winching will be hard work.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Fit granny bars for at mast reefing, I hated them years ago, now I love em to bits.

 

[dgadee]

I would never have thought I would say this, but - an electric winch and cockpit reefing is just brill.

 

[Ruffles]

I do understand the attraction of the single line system but for me the direct interaction with the sail works better.

You could argue though that the smaller the boat the more awkward it is to have reef from the mast. The boat has a more lively movement and you typically have to reef earlier and more often.

I've been wondering about investing in a Selden reefing boom. We have the original 3.5m Selden boom with the 3 cams at the tack. I've fixed the outhaul so all 3 lines are used for reefing. But the halyard is in the cockpit.

But I notice it only handles two reefs? I tend to use the deepest reef when I need to get the boat under control quickly. So I don't think it would really suit me.

 

[Hypocacculus]

We have single line reefing led back to the cockpit. The previous owner had the lines replaced and the %&^£ing rigger used 10mm line which is too big for the blocks. The friction is dreadful and has us yearning for two line reefing! We know the fix is to have the lines replaced with 8mm but ripping out brand new line is a painful thought.

 

[DaveS]

We have single line reefing led back to the cockpit. The previous owner had the lines replaced and the %&^£ing rigger used 10mm line which is too big for the blocks. The friction is dreadful and has us yearning for two line reefing! We know the fix is to have the lines replaced with 8mm but ripping out brand new line is a painful thought.

Entirely agree. The most cost effective improvement to the boat I've ever made was re-reeving the main sheet with a smaller diameter line: turned a horribly sticky set up that couldn't be pulled tight enough and needed over hauling to release into a free running thing of beauty.

Back to the OP: I single hand a 30 footer and have all reefing led back to the cockpit. Double lines for 3 reefs plus luff and leech cunninghams. It does involve 13 clutches and quite a lot of line, but it gives few problems and it's very rare that anything jams. I would agree with points about taking a lot of care to ensure clean runs. I have quite complex multiple shackle systems at the mast foot holding turning blocks (and a diagram in the chart table showing how it all goes together). Blocks tied on with lanyards are also useful for getting angles right.