Hello All,
I have questions regarding the setup and operation of the mainsail reefing on my E38:
1) The current reefing system has lines running from the forward boom section and cleats to sheaves at the aft end. The lines then run forward to Merriman cheek blocks on tracks on either side of the boom. The lines run up to each reef point and then back down to a welded tie off point next to the cheek block on the same side. I question this setup as one of the tie off points, the first reef, points up and the other down. Last season I ran the 1st reefing line around the boom entirely to return it to the tie off point. This seemed to work best however the setup looked a bit odd with the tie off pointing in the wrong direction. Anyone with pics specifically of the reefing setup on an E38 or similar I would really like to see them.
2) The reefing lines themselves, installed by the PO, are 1/2" line. The cleats on the boom are kinda small, the 1/2" line barely fits. What size line should be there? Any idea on the loads the reef line is subject to? I am thinking 3/8" or smaller high tech line would be a better choice?
Thanks, RT
I have questions regarding the setup and operation of the mainsail reefing on my E38:
1) The current reefing system has lines running from the forward boom section and cleats to sheaves at the aft end. The lines then run forward to Merriman cheek blocks on tracks on either side of the boom. The lines run up to each reef point and then back down to a welded tie off point next to the cheek block on the same side. I question this setup as one of the tie off points, the first reef, points up and the other down. Last season I ran the 1st reefing line around the boom entirely to return it to the tie off point. This seemed to work best however the setup looked a bit odd with the tie off pointing in the wrong direction. Anyone with pics specifically of the reefing setup on an E38 or similar I would really like to see them.
2) The reefing lines themselves, installed by the PO, are 1/2" line. The cleats on the boom are kinda small, the 1/2" line barely fits. What size line should be there? Any idea on the loads the reef line is subject to? I am thinking 3/8" or smaller high tech line would be a better choice?
Thanks, RT