[C320-list] Reefing

[--Bill via C320-list]

A PO changed the reefing system to a single line reefing system but going straight through the boom without the mid-boom block and with adjustment at the mast to a cleat. I don’t mind reefing from the mast, but I don’t like not having the mechanical advantage that the mid-boom block has and there is no mast winch to use when reefing to make up for the lack of it.
I have two spare pulleys on the deck organizers but all five rope clutches are being used by the spinnaker, jib and main halyards and the outhaul and topping lift.
I’m thinking about rigging like the original mid-boom block system (I do have the block) and either:
adding an additional rope clutch, or
use the topping lift rope clutch for the reefing line (changing topping lift adjustment to the mast)
I’d like to hear ideas about leaving the system as is, adding a rope clutch, moving the topping lift, or other options.

Thanks
—Bill Ackerman
1995 #240 Tortuga
Gulfport FL

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Change the outhaul to the cleat at the mast. Unless you are a hard-core racer, you won't be adjusting it. That frees up a clutch for the reefing line. I use the topping lift regularly for the Dutchman system, so I would keep it in a clutch.

The double block looks like two links on a chain. The one in my boom is of average quality. It works, but it's worth changing to a high-quality block if you plan on reefing a lot. You will need a winch to reef with the original block.

The trick here is that there are two reefing lines. The one at the rear is tied to the inside of the boom at one end. Setting that up would be a job, at least with my big hands.

I think the manual has lengths for these lines, but I don't have it with me.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of --Bill via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2026 7:48 PM
To: C320 List <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: --Bill <acke...@yahoo.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Reefing

[--Bill via C320-list]

Jack, I like the idea of putting the outhaul at the mast. As for tying off the aft reefing line I don’t think that will be a problem. I was able to remove the double block so it’s accessible and my boom has a hole at the end that looks good for tying off.

Re line lengths, I don’t see that in my owners manual. Can someone tell me either lengths or approximately where the block is positioned in the boom?

Another question is do you use a reefing hook as shown on the original design, or do you run the reefing line through the reefing tack and tie off around the boom?

—Bill Ackerman
> 1995 #240 Tortuga
> Gulfport FL

> On Jun 7, 2026, at 11:48 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Change the outhaul to the cleat at the mast. Unless you are a hard-core racer, you won't be adjusting it. That frees up a clutch for the reefing line. I use the topping lift regularly for the Dutchman system, so I would keep it in a clutch.

[Dan Petticord via C320-list]

According to the drawings, the lengths are 54ft and 20 ft. I just replaced
mine this year and the lengths are likely accurate if not a bit generous.
I used different lengths because we are running the reef lines up to the
sail and then back down to the mast.

--
Dan Petticord

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

At the boat. My manual says 54 feet for forward reefing line and 20 feet rear of 5/16 dacron line.



Sent from my Galaxy

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

On my boat the outhaul can be secured via a sheet stopper built into the lower forward end of the boom. I hang the excess on the mast cleat but the actual adjustment is done at the mast end of the boom, not at that cleat.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

[John Cheek via C320-list]

FIRST REEF - FORWARD LINE 5/16'DACRON 54' 0'
FIRST REEF _ AFT LINE 5,/16' DACRON 20'o'
SECOND REEF _ SINGLE LINE 3,/8' DACRON 70' o'

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

I do not use the hook. Instead I run the forward reef line through the reef grommet on the sail and down the starboard side where I have a padeye riveted to the side of the mast, and I tie it off there with a short bowline. This doubles the "downhaul" purchase on the reef line at the expense of some added friction. I've sometimes wondered if the padeye is strong enough, but after 20+ years I haven't had a problem with it failing.

T. Scott Thompson
Catalina 320 “Surprise,” #653 (1999)
surp...@thompson87.com

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of --Bill via C320-list
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 11:06 AM

[John Stetson via C320-list]

We used 54' and 20', all of 3/8" Sta-Set, Works like a charm.


John Stetson
Morning Star Again #578

[Charles Mueller via C320-list]

I run the forward reef line through that padeye, around a ring at the reef point and all the way to the bottom of the mast. Note that the line can be tied off to the open centers of any of the blocks at the mast base.

Chuck Mueller
Northwind #676
Holland, MI


________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of surprise thompson87.com via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, June 8, 2026 1:29 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: surprise thompson87.com <surp...@thompson87.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Reefing

[wdoc1--- via C320-list]

The reefing system on my boat was non-functioning until I removed the huge birds nest inside the boom! It remained difficult to set until I replaced the rear and forward lines with dyneema and put a small Antal "low friction" block at the luff cringle. I covered/spliced the back end of the dyneema with an outer polyester cover which ends at the turning block at the base of the mast when the reef is set. To prevent the smaller diameter dyneema from going off track (yes, that happened!) I replaced the flat nylon or delrin sheaves in the shuttle block with new shaped sheaves and now the system works great! I don't have lines installed for the second reef.
I removed the Dutchman system when I purchased a new Mainsail/lazy jacks, and run the outhaul back to the cockpit/cleat the topping lift on the mast.
Bill McConnellDiversion #714