I’m currently rigging my Pocketship, and I have two questions. First is how to rig the reefing line. This is not mentioned in the instructions. Is it just a mirror image of the outhaul? Would it make any sense to build a reefing comb on such a small boat? Does it require any mechanical advantage?
My second question is can I just lace the sail to the gaff instead of installing track? It looks like this stays attached most of the time (I would still use the track on the mast).
I added jiffy reefing to mine. If you solo sail, I highly recommend it. I frequently sail with a reef in so I want something that is easy to use. A line runs from the boom up through the leech cringle, back to the boom on the other side, through a cheek block, run to the fore end of the boom, through another cheek block, up through the luff cringle, and back down on the other side to a jam cleat on the tabernacle. I have one for each of the two reefing points. They start on opposite sides of the boom. The advantage is that the reefing lines are close to the halyards so you can quickly reef from a safe place on the boat- I usually stand in the companionway. There’s friction in the system so you may have to reach back and pull the line along the boom to get the aft part to the tighten. The lines along the boom can get in the way if they droop. I run mine inside the lazy jacks attachment points to keep them out of the way. If you don’t have lazy jacks then you may want some fairleads along the boom. Here’s a pic at the mast end with the first reef in.
A couple of other things. The thin red line is one of the lazy jacks. I also added a removable piece of track that keeps the slides in place when I reef.
Interesting thought on the gaff. I have never taken my sail off the gaff, so your idea is worth considering. I never did quite understand why it is on a track.
Steve, Thanks for the detailed response! A lot to ponder there. Your boat looks really sharp.
-Rich
