[C320-list] C320-List Digest, Vol 233, Issue 1

[Jeff Church]

Frank,

I'm not sure there is anything that will totally eliminate having to go forward before raising or dousing the main, but I bought a Doyle StackPack with my new main, and it makes the process MUCH quicker and easier. When you drop the main, you still have to go forward to stuff the last bits of the sail into the Pack and fasten the halyard to something. At least you don't have to hang on while you're trying to cinch up any sail ties. When you are done with the sail you just zip up the Pack. No more hassling with a sail cover. Also, you can unzip the Pack and attach the halyard before you leave the dock, and then when you are ready to hoist you don't have to untie any sail ties. You do still have to go forward to release the halyard from a clip that keeps it from going loose and wrapping around a spreader. 

The StackPack retrofit costs about $1000. That's about triple the cost of a set of lazy jacks (~$300 with your labor) but you get a lot more material and convenience for the money. If your sail is in good shape you might want to consider it. If your sail is in need of replacing in the next few seasons you might want to wait until you get a new sail. It probably isn't cost effective to pay for the labor to remove the StackPack and attach it to a new sail. 

JeffC 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: FSenft at aol.com 
  To: c320-list at catalina320.com 
  Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2007 2:09 PM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320-List Digest, Vol 233, Issue 1


  RE:  Dutchman vs Lazy Jack
   
  We have Hull # 890 and are not happy with the performance of our  Dutchman.  
  Even though we have adjusted it several times  it does not  fold properly.  
  Also for safety purposes I would like to not have to go  forward to fasten the 
  sail ties.  Any suggestions appreciated.
   
  S/V Haley Marie
  Chesapeake Bay