Rotostay Reefing

[campbell]

Hello again

I have just purchased a project boat , which came with a rotostay reefing system (old ? ) it consists of a reefing drum and top swiel , spar that has an end cap that fits onto the the spar at the masthead , however the end cap also has a enclosed block in it ?

What is the blocks purpose ?? for halyard ??

Many Thanks

Andrew

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[oldharry]

Yes. It avoids the problems associated with having a swivel block on the halyard. Rotostay have revised the endcap internal block which once it wore was inclined to jam, and now supply a retrofit endcap which has a stainless U bolt which goes through the spar itself, and gives a much stronger and safer assembly, for a very nominal cost. Well worth fitting it.

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[bob26]

Early reefing gears often had a sheave at the top with a wire halyard before sliding swivels became common. (some small ones still do).My guess would be that a previous owner has converted to swivel and not removed the sheeve. The swivels were regarded as better because they enable you to tension the luff. Tightening the luff with a sheave at the top of the spar puts the spar in compression.

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[Talbot]

If you are portsmouth area (hint - fill in your bio), I can show you my rotostay mk 2. I think it is like mine (and I am looking for a second one) . Do you have any piccies?

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