[C320-list] Reefing System

[Warren Updike]

My sheaves rotate just fine. My problem is that I can remove them to install
the new ones.  I suspect some corrosion between the SS pin and the cast
aluminum housing.  My solution is to periodically apply a penetrating oil
like PB Blaster repeatedly every day and attempt to remove them daily.
Getting a purchase is also a challenge.

A related issue reported by our Jeff Hare as to do with the blocks at the
base of the mast. They, too, will cease-up due to corrosion and collection
of dirt. Be sure to spray these frequently with a hose after sailing. Jeff
recommends a monthly shot of PB Blaster to keep them free.  Also, be sure
the mast base weep hole is open or the water from the mast will not exit
there as it should.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Paris [mailto:mparis495 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 12:13 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Reefing System

Any hints or suggestions for freeing up or removing these sheeves at  
the end of the boom?

Thanks,
Mike
#734

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 23, 2010, at 3:48 PM, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com>  
wrote:

> 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