[C320-list] Reefing System

[Scott Thompson]

1.  You really must have sheaves that turn at the end of the boom or you 
are going to have trouble putting in a full reef with proper tension. 
I'm not sure why yours don't turn.  You probably need to remove the pin 
that holds the sheaves in place and then try to clean and free up 
things.  The mast / boom manual on the web site might be helpful.  Look 
here:

http://www.catalina320.com/filemgmt_data/files/Catalina320_Standard_Mast.pdf

The boom end fitting is pictured on page 14.

If that doesn't solve the problem, try shortening the aft line.  You 
want it to be as short as possible, but not so short that it goes tight 
when you are not reefed.  I'm assuming you have the reefing arrangement 
with an internal shuttle block inside the boom.  Your symptoms are 
consistent with this arrangement, if there is too much slack in the aft 
line.  It should not be possible to pull much additional reef line from 
the end of the boom once the main is fully hoisted, if you have a 
shuttle block.

Alternatively, look for a bird nest or some other obstruction inside the 
boom that is preventing lines or the shuttle block from running free. 
Even though I faithfully tape up the end of the boom to keep birds out, 
somehow they made a nest in the boom anyhow this spring, and it took me 
more than an hour to extract all of the twigs and grass and to free up 
all the lines inside the boom.

2.  The tack hook arrangement is quick and easy IF you are willing to go 
to the mast and IF someone else can manage the halyard while you put the 
reef cringle on the horn.  I personally prefer the internal shuttle 
arrangement since I can reef single-handed by pulling a single line from 
the cockpit.


Mike Paris wrote:
> (1) I've been having trouble with reefing the main. The tack reefing point lowers to the boom while the clew reefing point is still about 2 or 3 feet off. I've added blocks to each of the reefing points on the sail and it improved it somewhat but it did not solve the problem. The sheaves at the end of the boom do not turn. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> 
> (2) Also, I took a number of sailing classes on a Catalina 42 in which they installed a reefing hook/horn at the tack end of the boom. They removed the reefing line from the tack end and only had it go through the clew end of the sail. Of course you have to walk out to the mast to reef but it never was a big problem. If I can't reef properly with the system I have now it is even more of a problem. Any thoughts on this system?
> 
> Thanks again,
> Mike P.
> #734

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653