Sailspar Reefing

[Capt_Scarlet]

I have acquired a Sailspar headsail reefing drum (medium size). What is the recommended reefing line diameter, and does it need to be braid-on-braid, or could I use 'normal' three strand rope? - I have not learnt how to splice the fancy smooth stuff.

 

[Gunfleet]

Why not give them a ring in Brightlingsea? They couldn't be nicer people to deal with and will probably give you one or two other hints too.

 

[ashanta]

I have a sailspar roller reefing and I find it's excellent. I did have to replace my continuous line last season and I replaced it with the same type of rope, braid on braid, A chandler kindly pliced the rope for me for a small fee.
It's important that you follow the instructions for this which is in the hand book. (iIf you cn't get a copy from Sail Spar I can photo copy mine and send it to you if you require.
There is a need to attach a snatch block to the aft end of the reefing line to which is attached a thick bungee. This means there is a slight tension on the line and the line is easily pulled both ways to reef in or out. The line is simply just cleated off when the sail is appropriately set.
Please PM me if you require the manual or any other assistance with this.
Regards.

Peter.

 

[dickh]

I also had the Sailspar reefing and found it excellent. If I remember I had 12mm braid on braid spliced endless. Instead of using a cleat, lead it through a clutch in a suitable place - much quicker and easier than cleating off - just haul in! BUT you must have the sort of clutch that you can dismantle and insert the endless line. I had one of the first Rutgerson ones in the country - I was actually in Fox's asking if they could get me one, and the Rutgerson rep was standing next to me and I bought his sample clutch. I believe Spinlock do a dismantleable one now. As I used a clutch the line was fairly taut and led aft to a snatch block tied to a cleat.
Again Sailspar are very friendly ands helpful.

 

[ashanta]

The manual shows that you should use bungee and not rope to attach to the snatch block allowing for the tension to be there when you operate the line. the cleating off is not a problem. In fact it's really simple and easy and it works.

Regards.

Peter.

 

[isandell]

A couple of years ago I was talking to Sailspar and they said that thewy recommended a particular type of Lyros. As someone else said, give them a ring - they are most helpful.

Ian

 

[srm]

Have not found a need for a snatchblock with my Sailspar gear, just turn up the doubled line on a cleat aft of the last lead block, but then I prefer to keep kit as simple as possible - its far more reliable that way.

Sean

 

[ashanta]

The bungee and snatch block are in the installation and operating instruction from Sail Spar. That's why I have them fitted and it works very well.

Regards.

Peter.