Internal halyards & reefing lines

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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tjr818
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Joined: Oct 13th, '07, 13:42
Location: Previously owned 1980 CD 27 Slainte, Hull #185. NO.1257949

Internal halyards & reefing lines

Post by tjr818 »

David Morton wrote:...Also, my clew reefing lines hang under the boom, your inside boom routing is very sweet....David
We have the same problem aboard Slainte. I have heard that you can drill a few holes in the side of the boom and rum the clew refs line internally. Has anyone done that :?: :?:
I know people do that to the mast to run internal halyards. I would love to hear more about doing that to the boom - and to the mast. Those seem like two good improvements that would not cost much. Unless I ruin the spars :oops:
Tim
Nonsuch 26 Ultra,
Previously, Sláinte a CD27
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jbenagh
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Location: CD30 "Christine C"
Salem, MA

Re: Internal halyards & reefing lines

Post by jbenagh »

I screwed some very light weight pad eyes to the boom to do the same thing for the reefing line and the outhaul. Cost was pretty minimal, maybe $15. I use two for each line. To figure out how many I just used my fingers to approximate where to put them.

Jeff
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Sea Hunt Video
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Location: Former caretaker S/V Bali Ha'i 1982 CD 25D; Hull 69 and S/V Tadpole Typhoon Week

Re: Internal halyards & reefing lines

Post by Sea Hunt Video »

jbenagh wrote:I screwed some very light weight pad eyes to the boom to do the same thing for the reefing line and the outhaul. Cost was pretty minimal, maybe $15. I use two for each line. To figure out how many I just used my fingers to approximate where to put them.

Jeff
Prior owner of S/V Bali Ha'i did what Jeff did. It works well. Also, the lines remain visible so that you know if they are fraying, etc. I think I have 4-5 small padeyes along the starboard side of the boom.
Fair winds,

Roberto

a/k/a Sea Hunt "The Tadpole Sailor"
CDSOA #1097
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"I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778, as quoted in Naval History and Heritage Command, http://www.history.navy.mil
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David Morton
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Location: s/v Danusia CD31, Harpswell, ME

Re: Internal halyards & reefing lines

Post by David Morton »

I screwed some very light weight pad eyes to the boom
My only concern to adding more hardware is the cost in added friction. As it is, I have found that, after dropping my main for the day, it is much easier to raise the main again if I leave all the slack in my reefing lines rather than pull them in tight. I just tuck the loops of hanging reefing lines into the sail cover. This way I don't have to struggle pulling 4 reefing lines thru multiple turning blocks, guides, and clutches as I raise the main the next sailing day. It's not an ideal solution. While I have thought about moving the lines internal, I worry about tangles and inadvertent knots inside the boom, as well as the friction problem I mentioned. Would be interested to hear from any one who has moved the lines inside the boom.

David
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Paul D.
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Location: CD 33 Femme du Nord, Lake Superior

Re: Internal halyards & reefing lines

Post by Paul D. »

While I bent on the sails and boom at the beginning of the season this year, a fellow sailor was doing the same across the pier from me for his Island Packet 32. We glanced at each other a few times. With external reefing lines and slab reefing, I had Femme's entire rig up and ready to sail in a leisurely couple of hours. He got entirely stuck with his internal reefing lines within the boom. Very complicated system and when I went over to assist I really couldn't instantly figure out the thing nor could he explain to me what needed doing. He eventually got it sorted the next week but by then I'd been out sailing.

While I do love clean lines and even chases for lines or wires on deck in order to clean things up on modern boats, I am all for keeping our boats, which were designed by a guy who knew what worked, as simple as possible. External halyards and reefing lines fall into that category for me.

Besides, then you get to explain what they all do to a worshipping neophyte and seem even more all knowing and powerful. Important perception for care to have when you're the skipper!
Paul
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