On reefing and outhauls

[pvraniak]

Hi there,

I’m working on setting up a simpler reefing system on my Guider and wanted to run something buy those with more experience. As has been mentioned in previous posts on the topic I don’t love the jiffy reefing system and dealing with all the excess line when reefed. Also, it is just finicky. I like the simplicity of just looping a loop connecting the new tack around the front of the boom. The issue is connecting the new clew. I’m copying the system from the youtuber “boat rambler.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beh1CnDPljI&list=PLbkA_kHskAdfy_0Wc3NW7XSCkZtMb82i4

He uses an outhaul. While I certainly could install a similar system I was considering just not. Instead, just placing another loop around the new clew and looping it around the aft end of the boom.

My logic being that when I’m reefed, especially double reefed, I am not lacking for wind and generally over powered anyhow. Therefore the added benefit of tightening the foot of the sail with the outhaul isn’t really necessary. Maybe the sail looks a little uglier, but oh well.

Please educate me on the error of my logic here. Maybe the outhaul provides better pointing angle even when I’m reefed and have plenty of wind?

Thanks for sharing your experience

[Laszlo_Morocz]

So the thing that jiffy reefing gives you that the youtuber’s system doesn’t is that you don’t have to get to the front of the boom when reefing. That’s not a big deal if you’re reefing on land before you go out, but if you’re trying to reef out on choppy water with a strong gusty wind it may make a big difference. As long as you’re guaranteed to do all your reefing before you launch, the loop over the front of the boom is fine.

I don’t find the excess line a problem; I just wrap it around my hand, secure it with an awning bungee and let it hang out of the way. It takes about 30 seconds.

The advantage of attaching to an outhaul (or using jiffy-reefing which acts as an outhaul) is that the extra tension versus that of a simple loop will let you sail more efficiently without having to tie the reef ties. Again, not a big deal if you’re reefing on shore before launching, but it’s one less thing to deal with on the water.

I don’t know enough about the Guider to say how much having a sloppily reefed sail would affect the sailing qualities, so I won’t. But as long as you’re reefing on shore, you should be able to get everything set up with proper tension using simple systems.

Laszlo