Questions re Jiffy Reefing on CD Typhoon

[Jim Sullivan]

On occasion when I reef the main I have been using a line to secure the tack cringle to the boom. This process can be time-consuming. Most boats who have jiffy reefing use a tack hook to secure the tack cringle. I am not sure on a typhoon where the tack hook should be located. That is, on the gooseneck or the most forward portion of the boom. Any comments on the location of the tack hook, size, supplier, etc. would be most appreciated. Using a reefed main and working jib when winds are strong has worked out well on the typhoon. I am really looking for a faster way to reef the main when I need to than having to tie a line to lash the tack cringle to the boom,



jsullivan@ids.net

[Paul Danicic]

On occasion when I reef the main I have been using a line to secure the tack cringle to the boom. This process can be time-consuming. Most boats who have jiffy reefing use a tack hook to secure the tack cringle. I am not sure on a typhoon where the tack hook should be located.

Jim,

We have a Typhoon that has one reef hook on each side of the forward end of the boom. This seems to work well and we reef often. Simply ease the sheet, lower the halyard, hook the cringle, pull the clew reefing line and re-tension the halyard. This takes under a minute if I am in prime form (not usually!). I suppose you could have only one hook on one side and be fine. I would then put it on the same side as the reefing line and the halyard side to keep everything in close proximity. As for attaching the hook, you may need a compression sleeve that goes through the boom so you don't crush it tightening the bolt. See if your boom is solid in that area before you drill. The hook must be quite forward on the boom or else the sail boltrope can be very stressed where it enters the mast track. We have ripped this before when lowering the boom. I would play with it on a calm day to find the ideal placement.

We find the little boat sails faster and easier with a reef in, so we don't hesitate to reef early. This system has worked well.

Good luck,
Paul & John Danicic
"Moana" Minneapolis MN



nyeme001@tc.umn.edu

[Mike Wainfeld]

Rig-Rite made me a new goose-neck fitting with a tack hook. Cost about $100. They are very familiar with Typhoon rigging. Some minor filing was necessary though, to fit into the boom. I can stand in the companionway, remove the sail stop, ease the main halyard, pull down the reefing tack cringle onto the hook, tighten the halyard, then tighten the clew reefing line and replace the sail stop. All accomplished in less than a minute. Two luff slugs will fall out of the mast guide; this is of no consequence; I just re-feed them when I shake out the reef. The boat does sail well reefed. Rig-Rite can be reached at 401-739-1140.



ripcord1@erols.com