"New Boom" single line reefing

[Squid]

Thought I might share what I hope is my last big improvement project. When I bought the boat it had an old in boom furler that was not in use and was to large for the boat. Outhaul was a jury rig and the boom heavy.

My long term plan was to get a new boom (Selden) with new track with stainless cars, and set it up for single line reefing and main halyard all from the cockpit.... I went out two weeks ago and the wind was perfect to test the set up. We had a nice day with 13kts of wind which built to 18kts. I walked my sailing buddy through the procedure on how to reef. I brought the girl into the wind, he dropped the main halyard to the mark on the line, pulled the first reef line through the clutch re-raised the main halyard... Bam, pulled a reef in about one minute from the cockpit... I love it !... I hope it gives me a few more years of sailing pleasure as I test my age at the helm! Let me know if you have any questions, we are very pleased with the install.

[Squid]

Second set of pictures.

[gates_cliff]

Wow! Love that setup. Makes perfect sense for single handing. Now something else for me to dream about.

[Keith]

Love it! but what is the short track on the hatch rail for?

[David Morton]

Terrific setup!. I also have my halyard and reefing lines back to the cockpit, however, I have separate lines each for clew and tack. While yours takes a minute to reef, mine takes about an additional 15 seconds and adds another couple of lines to mess up in the cockpit... You win!! Actually, the only downside I've found is the excess friction on the halyard due to the additional blocks that redirect the line to the cockpit, that keeps the sail from dousing by itself all the way down. My sailmaker has suggested a new, lighter and thinner halyard. Hopefully that will be the solution. Also, my clew reefing lines hang under the boom, your inside boom routing is very sweet. You won't regret having an arrangement that keeps you off the rolling deck when you need to reef. Congratulations!

David

[Skeep]

Great photographs and narrative both of you. Life is so much simpler on the Typhoon....

[Jim Walsh]

The closeup shots are great but do you have any from further back so we can see the modification in profile?

[tjr818]

...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 now 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

[Squid]

I will reply fully when back home. With better pictures to include the new track and cars. The main drops like I have an electric motor pulling it down. I did the main mast internal line arrangement the first year I got the boat... Will send pics of that as well. Thanks for the comments.

[Squid]

Dave,... Great comment on the main.... The rigger and I (excellent rigger), discussed this issue specifically. What he recommend and we installed was a new track inside the old track with stainless cars on the main... Even with the new resistance of the added blocks the main goes all the way up by "hand" easily except for possibly the last foot. Then a couple of cranks on the winch and done. To lower all I do is hold the halyard with my hand and un-clutch... It drops like there is an electric motor on it. I forget the name of the track system, (easy track on something like that) but if you are interested I can get the e-site... VERY easy install on the boat and then new sewn on cars on the main. In fact with larger sails you need to hold the halyard a bit because it drops like a rock... All good! This was a great solution to the added main block resistance issue. We also added some length to the new main halyard so it can reach the water line without issue if needed.

The line arrangement within the Selden boom for single line reefing can be better observed by going to the Selden web site.... One line line with opposing pulleys inside the boom.

[Squid]

The short track next to the companionway is an artifact of the old "In Boom" main furling system that had been de-installed years ago by a previous owner. It on the short list to be removed this winter.

Here are some pics of the old boom...

[Squid]

Jim,
When I go up to the boat this Wednesday I will take some better profile pictures and post.

This picture also shows another modification I made the first year I had the boat. I had both Halyards taken inside or internal in the mast... This gave me the option of adding two additional halyards because of the arrangements inside the mast. I re-ran (replaced) all the wiring as well (in conduit), which was part of the motivation. I now have a spare Genoa halyard forward and using the other spare main halyard as a topping lift with a small block to adjust at the end near the end of the boom (previous picture).

I will also take a better picture of this arrangement as well this weekend.

[John Stone]

What you have is a Tides Marine "Strong Track".

[frankfurder]

Great project!

Regarding the turning blocks and sheet stoppers in the cabin top, how did you mount the hardware thru the headliner inside? I am planning a similar cockpit reefing arrangement on my 25d, but haven't got the courage to drill the holes yet.

I am planning to drill thru the core only, seal the balsa core with epoxy and then redrill the smaller 1/4" holes to mount the hardware. Havent figured out how to finish the job inside the cabin yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Sea Hunt Video]

Great project!

Regarding the turning blocks and sheet stoppers in the cabin top, how did you mount the hardware thru the headliner inside? I am planning a similar cockpit reefing arrangement on my 25d, but haven't got the courage to drill the holes yet.

I am planning to drill thru the core only, seal the balsa core with epoxy and then redrill the smaller 1/4" holes to mount the hardware. Havent figured out how to finish the job inside the cabin yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I am hoping to do the same as Frank on my CD 25D although I have even less "courage" than Frank. It's scary drilling holes in a boat.

As for the inside "liner" (to the extent there is one) I had considered affixing a round teak plate to "cover up" the 5-6 screws/nuts, etc. from the winch that will be exposed inside the cabin. I would also do the same for the turning blocks plate and clutches (affix a rectangular teak plate), etc.

I, too, would welcome any and all suggestions. I have waited way too long and want to try to get this done ASAP.