Mainsail Handling system

[Nelson Garcez]

I am considering installing a mainsail handling system as I've been mostly single handling Matangi and getting the sails down has been a bit of a work.

Anyone with real experience with these systems in a J/28? Any recommendations?

I've been reading about the Jiffy Jax, one that you could stow when your sails are down. Also saw many articles about DIY systems but not much inclined to try as I am worried of putting holes in mast and boom without any expertise.

Cheers,

[Geoff Cowles]

Nelson

I think there are basically the dutchman systems (vertical lines that thread upwards through tiny grommets in the mainsail) and lazy-jack type systems.  The one you sent looks like a lazy jack system you can slacken which allows you to pull it out of the way when not needed.    There are also stack-packs (see attached screenshot).  In the stackpack you attach the lazy jack ends to the sailcover (which is split down the middle) and then somehow sew it up.  I have never used one of those. 

My J28 came rigged with lazy jacks but I grew tired of the battens getting caught it in while I was trying to raise the mainsail so I removed it.  I do like the cleaner look in its absence. When it was there it definitely helped with containing the mainsail when you drop it although there is still some need for rearranging the flakes if you are in any way particular about that.  If I had a system like the one you sent where the lazy jacks can be pulled out of the way when not in use I might have kept it on the boat because that would have resolved my main complaint.  

I wouldn’t be too concerned about holes in the spars and spreaders as there is very little load and you can use small diameter line and brackets.

Geoff

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[Nelson Garcez]

Thanks Geoff for your quick reply.

I was on the phone with the manufacturer of the JiffyJax. I may try one and keep you guys posted.

Cheers,

On Jun 26, 2021, at 12:38, Geoff Cowles <gco...@gmail.com> wrote:

Nelson

I think there are basically the dutchman systems (vertical lines that thread upwards through tiny grommets in the mainsail) and lazy-jack type systems.  The one you sent looks like a lazy jack system you can slacken which allows you to pull it out of the way when not needed.    There are also stack-packs (see attached screenshot).  In the stackpack you attach the lazy jack ends to the sailcover (which is split down the middle) and then somehow sew it up.  I have never used one of those. 

My J28 came rigged with lazy jacks but I grew tired of the battens getting caught it in while I was trying to raise the mainsail so I removed it.  I do like the cleaner look in its absence. When it was there it definitely helped with containing the mainsail when you drop it although there is still some need for rearranging the flakes if you are in any way particular about that.  If I had a system like the one you sent where the lazy jacks can be pulled out of the way when not in use I might have kept it on the boat because that would have resolved my main complaint.  

I wouldn’t be too concerned about holes in the spars and spreaders as there is very little load and you can use small diameter line and brackets.

Geoff

<lazy jacks and stack pack system image.jpg>

[Alexander Bruce Hart]

On my boat a previous owner had installed lazy jacks and they were removed.  But the holes on the boom we’re drilled and the eye straps remained on the underside of the boom and blocks installed on the mast 

It’s worth checking if you have similar evidence of a prior installation because lazy jacks are easy to make - I got 1/4’’ xls line, Ronstan shock blocks, some cleats and a cheek block from defender for $100 and rigged it myself.

Check to see if you have eye straps under the boom and 2 holes drilled on each side of the boom near where the vang meets the boom. This points to a previous installation 

Good luck

On Jun 26, 2021, at 12:43, Nelson Garcez <nga...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks Geoff for your quick reply.

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[Nelson Garcez]

Thanks

Unfortunately I do not have them. 

I can adventure DYI one but would need the measurements for the positioning of the pad-eyes, blocks and length of ropes. 

Would you have a drawing of your system?

Best 

Nelson Garcez
nga...@gmail.com

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On Jun 26, 2021, at 15:10, Alexander Bruce Hart <abruc...@gmail.com> wrote:



[Nelson Garcez]

I am trying to avoid having to work in the sails. They are not new. When I get new ones I may consider it as the Dutchman seems to be the most effective system. 

Nelson Garcez
nga...@gmail.com

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On Jun 26, 2021, at 16:09, Brad Comcast <bbu...@comcast.net> wrote:

I have a Dutchman.  Works great.  Takes a sailmaker to install fittings in sail.

Brad

***************************

Brad Butman

35 Clowes Dr.

Falmouth, MA

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