Jiffy reefing

[Bud_Wilson]

Would someone (this is usually Franks dept.)please post diagram photo ect. of how the lines should be run for jiffy reefing, two reef points. I bought a boat with jiffy reefing but the lines were not hooked up. I ask the prev. owner how they went and his reply was, I don't know what those lines are I have never used them. Bud ???

[Charlie Jones]

Here's a link to an article that should help-

http://www.pineapplesails.com/articles/reefing.htm

[Frank Hagan]

Charlie has the best tutorial I've seen on it.  If that doesn't do it, then depending on the boat you have, there may also be a "community" of people out there with a mailing list, website, class organization, etc. that would have the original instructions from the manufacturer.

[Bud_Wilson]

Thanks Charlie but I didn't make myself clear about what I need to know. I have a 1985 Bay Hen, with a gaff rig sail. The sail has 2 reef points, the reefing lines run from a point over the cockpit with a cleat on the boom one farward to a block then up to the reef points. The other to the back end of the boom to a block and up to the reef points. The info I need is how to thread the line through the reef points so I can use which ever one I need. That is as clear as mud I guess Thhanks anyway Bud

[capt jake]

On my set up, I have two reefing lines.  One for the forward reef point and one for the aft point.  The reef points in between these are tied off individually.

Both the forward and aft reefing lines run from the reef point down through a turning block, then towards the center of the boom to a cleat.  I let the sail down to a certain point, then reef the two reef points, tied off the center section, then hoist the sail again.

Hard to put this into words.....  Here is the only picture I have.  If you look closely, you can see the forward reefing line running down and through that turning block on the boom.

[capt jake]

A little closer view.  The block is behind the wooden fitting and on top of the tang.

I am now thinking that the line is anchored at one side of the boom, goes up and through the reef point, then down to the turning block.  I think this is the way I did it as it provided equal restraint on both sides of the sail  It is all buttoned up and put away, not the easiest thing to get at presently.

[Bud_Wilson]

Thanks Cap'N Jake. Very nice boat. I have about the same set up as you, lower the sail, make the reef line fast and raise the sail back up. What I was wanting to know is how to thread the lines through the two reef points where I could use eather the lower one or the top one. I think I have it wright. I will know when the weather gets a little better. Thanks again. Bud

[Frank Hagan]

You mean you're going to test it in nice weather?  You're not going to wait until you NEED to reef to find out if it works? 

[Craig]

Naw, Bud (  ) was at the helm for the first trial of my cutter rig Frank.  That cured both of us  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[PAR]

The clew end line is attached to the boom, usually tied to an eye strap screwed to the boom. This line runs up, through the cringle at the reef clew, then back down the other side of the sail. At this point it goes through a cheek block to change it's direction, so to it parallels the boom. The line continues forward to a cleat at the forward end of the boo, where it's tied off.

The tack can be done similarly, but most don't bother, preferring to just use a reefing hook or lashing through the tack reef cringle.

For each set of reef points, you'll have a simple "whip" tackle arranged at the clew (outboard end of the sail), which bring this line back to the forward end of the boom. This is so you don't have to attach the reefed clew manually at the end of a wildly swing boom in building winds.

The 2:1 leverage gained with this tackle makes handling the clew a little easier.

[capt jake]

Yup, that is how mine is set up. 

[Bud_Wilson]

Thanks for the help guys. My eyes were a lot bigger than that Craig, and a$$ was a lot tighter. I have already had all the knock down experiance I want, all the turtleing I want, all the rescue I want. Head this from one who knows Reef early, wear your PFD and button the dan thing up. It is hard to get it from around your neck and back around your waist when you are flopping around in the water. Bud  ;D

[capt jake]

I have sailed with the reef in on several occasions.  Very glad I did.  Yet, there were still other times I just plain pulled the sails down and motored in.  It often helps to have well placed 'rail meat'.   Usually, the bigger the better......

[Bud_Wilson]

Cap'N Jake I know what you are talking about rail meat. The best my P/C has ever sailed I had a 300 lbs. friend taking a vodka nap in the center of the cabin. Bud :

[capt jake]

Cap'N Jake I know what you are talking about rail meat. The best my P/C has ever sailed I had a 300 lbs. friend taking a vodka nap in the center of the cabin. Bud :

Somewhat similar to me and another builder surviving a small craft advisory.  I know that I would have been in deep dodo if he hadn't been on the boat.