[C320-list] Reefing System

[Mike Paris]

(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

[Chris Burti]

Something is not adjusted properly, mine works flawlessly sincc I put the
blocks in. However it came from the rigger set up wrong and I had to re-rig
it...that was about 7 years ago, so I don't remember the details, but it
was pretty logical and it has worked great ever since.

--
Chris Burti Farmville, NC

[Ken Danko]

[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.

--
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653

[ala...@comcast.net]

this months sail mag has a good article about reefing

  Al Ahlman

   #476

[Mike Paris]

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 <surp...@thompson87.com>
wrote:

[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:mpar...@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 12:13 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Reefing System

[Mike Paris]

Follow up: My reefing system is working much better now.

I was able to remove the sheaves and clean them up. Also, I found an old rag (left by the previous owner) about 3 or 4 feet in the boom.

Sent from my iPhone

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