Lazy Jacks

[ggray]

We have a full-batten, big roach main, which prompts the idea.

With the traditional lazy jacks that are now rigged, the aft ends of the battens put pressure on the aft "jack" and pull all the slack out of the others, allowing the battens and sail to spill off the boom. I probably can tighten them a little more, but not enough to totally prevent this from happening.

So I've wondered if just having one lazy jack on each side of the boom would contain the sail/battens better. Should any of the top fall out, I don't think it would be as big a deal. Probably only the top quarter could fall out anyway.

Has anyone rigged their lazy jacks this way?

[mikereed100]

I solved that problem on my boat by having the jacks set up with increasing puchase as they go aft. The forward lines are 1:1, the next back are 2:1, next 2 are 4:1. The result is that the aftermost lines are under the most tension and keep the sail on the boom. I'll try to post a diagram or a photo.

[ggray]

I'd be interested in seeing what you have.

[mikereed100]

Something like this:

[roverhi]

You could try seizing the line for the offending lazy jack so it didn't bag out and spill the sail.

[ggray]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

Something like this:

That is much like what I have now, except for the forward two.

[ggray]

Originally Posted by roverhi

You could try seizing the line for the offending lazy jack so it didn't bag out and spill the sail.

Yes, I've considered that because it would certainly help, but I'm afraid doing so would interfere with retracting and stowing the lazy jacks along the boom to the gooseneck, which was my plan.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by ggray

That is much like what I have now, except for the forward two.

What the drawing doesn't show is that each of those "dots" is a block. the lazyjacks are tensioned at the boom by the forward-most line which is then cleated off at the boom. The "apex" of the whole mess is fixed to the spreaders. This allows the tension to increase as the lines move aft where more tension is needed, from 1:1 forward to 4:1 aft. I experimented a lot with this system and at one time had an 8:1 purchase on the after-most line, but found that was a little too much and that 4:1 is plenty for my sail.
I am guessing that yours are set up to be tensioned at the mast through a turning block at the spreaders like most setups. In that case the tension on all of the lines is equal at 1:1.

[zeehag]

i have no thad experience with retractible jacks. on the gaff rigger we sailed they remained in place.
for emergency dousing of huge sail, it seems a lil safer for heavy weather to leave em in place while sailing.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i have no thad experience with retractible jacks. on the gaff rigger we sailed they remained in place.
for emergency dousing of huge sail, it seems a lil safer for heavy weather to leave em in place while sailing.

Retractable lazy-jacks are usually retracted only when raising the main, then re-tensioned once the sail is up.

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

Retractable lazy-jacks are usually retracted only when raising the main, then re-tensioned once the sail is up.

oh extra work. if they be made custom for your boat they shouldnt affect the raising of mainsail even fully battened. ??

[thinwater]

You're over thinking it. With full battens the sail will behave just fine with what you have.

[ggray]

When we had a regular sail cover, we retracted the lazy jacks before covering. Usually deployed other times. That will be my plan when I replace the "XX" Pack with a regular sail cover.

Originally Posted by zeehag

i have no thad experience with retractible jacks. on the gaff rigger we sailed they remained in place.
for emergency dousing of huge sail, it seems a lil safer for heavy weather to leave em in place while sailing.

[ggray]

Yes, mine are blocks as well, though I think one either side might be a thimble or other eye.
Not to be argumentative, but I believe all of your lazy jacks are "2:1" except for the 2 forward ones that are 1:1.
Still, if it works, it works!

Originally Posted by mikereed100

What the drawing doesn't show is that each of those "dots" is a block. the lazyjacks are tensioned at the boom by the forward-most line which is then cleated off at the boom. The "apex" of the whole mess is fixed to the spreaders. This allows the tension to increase as the lines move aft where more tension is needed, from 1:1 forward to 4:1 aft. I experimented a lot with this system and at one time had an 8:1 purchase on the after-most line, but found that was a little too much and that 4:1 is plenty for my sail.
I am guessing that yours are set up to be tensioned at the mast through a turning block at the spreaders like most setups. In that case the tension on all of the lines is equal at 1:1.

[ggray]

I guess you are talking to me?

Originally Posted by thinwater

You're over thinking it. With full battens the sail will behave just fine with what you have.