[C320-list] Main Reefing Issues

[Lamar Desmond]

I made the change last weekend but removed the internal blocks altogether.
It made a huge improvement.  I did find that the sheave at the aft-end of
the boom didn't turn freely and was wondering about repairing/replacing it.

Lamar Desmond
Blue Moon, #358

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Joseph A Tamucci
Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 9:39 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Main Reefing Issues


I just modified my mainsail reefing configuration with reefing blocks on the
mainsail as published on this list.  The mod. resulted in minimal
improvement. Upon further inspection of the boom I discovered that the
reefing line shives (rollers) on both sides of the boom are frozen and do
not turn.  This seems to be the cause of at least some  of the friction I am
having reefing.

It looks like the shives are just inserted into slots on the boom and once
the reefing lines and main outhaul lines are loosened the shives can be
easily??? extracted from the boom for maintenance or replacement.  I intend
to do this very soon.  I'm now wondering if the blocks inside the boom are
turning free?  I'm assuming I can inspect the internal blocks by pulling the
reefing line at the back of the mast so thge blocks travel to the open slot
at the back of the boom?

So for all those that are still using the internal boom reefing system,
check your shives to see if they are still free and not frozen.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?  Were the shives (rollers) easy to
remove and fix?

Joe Tamucci, Andante #619