[C320-list] Reefing Setup

[Mark Seyler]

I think that what Joe is describing is something like the set-up on my #232 when I bought it.  If I could figure out how to attach a diagram I would, but instead I’ll try to describe it in words.

According to the manual, one line should go forward from the line clutch to the turning block at the base of the mast; from there, go up to the gooseneck and enter the end of the boom from below; go part-way into the boom and then the double back over a twin block (two single blocks shackled together end to end) inside the boom; exit the gooseneck end of the boom via a turning block on the top of the gooseneck end of the boom; and terminate in a hook that is hooked into the reef cringle at the luff of the sail.  The reefing line attached to the leech reef cringle starts at the aft end of the boom, runs forward inside the boom to loop over the other side of the twin block inside the boom, then returns to the aft end of the boom and goes up through the leech-side reef cringle, and terminates on the boom below that reef point.  Using that system, one would have to hook the reefing hook into the luff-side reef point, then pull the line through the leech reef cringle to pull both reef points down to the boom.

My #232 has no second turning block on the top of the gooseneck end of the boom, so the system in the manual would not work for me.  In addition, when I bought the boat there was no twin block inside the boom.  So my reefing line goes from the turning block at the base of the mast; up to a block I attached to the luff reef point; then down to a turning block at the top of the boom vang attachment; and up into the boom via the turning block on the bottom of the gooseneck end of the boom.  From there the line goes to the aft end of the boom, up to a block at the leech reef point, and back down to terminate at the boom.  I think this might be something like what Joe is describing.

Here in New Orleans, I am happy if I have 5-10 knots of breeze when I sail, and almost never have to reef.  But the system I have seems to work OK on the rare occasions when I do.  As Jeff pointed out, adding the blocks greatly reduces friction, and makes it possible to reef from the cockpit.  (On mine, I connected standard single blocks to the reef cringles by looping a soft shackle through the bail at the top of the block, through the reef cringle, and onto a stainless steel ring on the other side of the sail that is bigger than the diameter of the reef cringle.  A sailmaker can also sew a block and some webbing to the sail in lieu of a cringle.)

If anyone has a different system that doesn’t require a turning block on the top of the gooseneck end of the boom, I’m always looking for good ideas, and this e-mail list is certainly a great source for those kinds of ideas.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality, 
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of islgirl3 at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 9:27 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Reefing Setup

 Jeff,I assume you attached the block to the cringles using a small shackle?
Rich Nuzzolo#897Barbara RIta
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Thu, Jun 13, 2019 9:30 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Reefing Setup

Joe,

Normally there are 2 lines out the front of the boom.

1.  Reefing line as you've described.  On our boat this one is lead back to the cockpit cabin top winch.  Also, instead of running the line through the cringle as you've done, we attached a harken carbo block here and lead the line through that block instead so that it runs more freely.  We also did the same in the cringle in the leach of the sail.  That allows easier reefing with more even stress.

2.  Outhaul line which pulls the clue of the main back to the end of the boom.  This one is typically has a 2:1 block inside the boom so that you can get some  purchase on it.  On our boat, we lead this line back to the cockpit and leave our Spin halyard at the boom.

If you only have the reefing line, then maybe you have the clew of the mainsail just fixed to the aft end of the boom and not adjustable.
(personally, I don't really think the outhaul is particularly effective unless you have a loose footed main.)

-Jeff Hare
#809 Woodbine II

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Joe Geiger
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2019 8:11 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Reefing Setup

I have a 2000 C-320 wing-keel (Hull #722) and noticed my reefing system is setup differently than what is shown in the manual. 

My system only has 1 reefing line running out of the boom near the gooseneck which I ran down to a block on the boom kicker mount and then up through the port side reef cringle on the main sail. From there it is run through a starboard fairlead near the gooseneck, then down to the turning block on the mast base and back to the clutches in the cockpit. 

The manual has 2 lines exiting the boom at the gooseneck: one that attaches to the reef cringle via a reef hook and the other goes to the turning block at the mast base and then to the clutch in the cockpit. 

Did the design change? Does anyone else have their reefing setup this way? 

Joe
--
Joe Geiger
VEGA (Hull #722)
Greenwich Cove, RI