Lazy Jacks Design -- Winter Storage

[Beantown]

I want to install lazy jacks and am looking at optional systems or doing a DIY. My question: My boat comes out of the water every Fall with boom removed and spar out. My question to those of you with lazy jacks and similar situations: How do you disconnect the lazy jacks so that the boom can be taken off of the mast?

Thanks

[roverhi]

Our lazy jacks are tied to padeyes on the boom with bowlines. Just untie the knots and the boom is free. Last jacks live secured at the mast when not in use when boat is rigged. Used brass rings, with padeyes 3/4 of the way up mast and back down to cleats on the mast. Pull the jacks forward and hook under the mast cleat when not in use.

[sy_gilana]

Our Lazy Jacks are tied to a batten in the top of the sail cover, like a stack 'n pack.

[Sandero]

OT.... I use a Dutchman system... You need to modify your mainsail... but it works very well.

[Sailor Doug]

I know this is not the original posters question but. Why do so many owners take their boom off when the stick is still up. About 40 percent do in our marina do. Boom will out last boat and soon than later you are going to damage Interior wood work.


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[bauer965]

2 50-ft messengers is all I use...I remove the jacks from the mast in about 3.5 minutes and store on the boom.

[Mystic38]

I store with a winter cover but mast up..

On Tuscan Sun, the lazy jacks are connected via shackles to padeyes on the mast... I go up in a bosuns chair, disconnect them and bring them down with me.. the entire lazy jack setup is then simply wrapped around the boom.

Originally Posted by Beantown

I want to install lazy jacks and am looking at optional systems or doing a DIY. My question: My boat comes out of the water every Fall with boom removed and spar out. My question to those of you with lazy jacks and similar situations: How do you disconnect the lazy jacks so that the boom can be taken off of the mast?

Thanks

[Scaramanga F25]

YES, lazy jacks removed from boom, boom removed then mast taken out.

[roverhi]

The running rigging on the boom is subject to deterioration if left out. For masts that are pulled, you have to remove the boom to pull the stick.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Sailor Doug

I know this is not the original posters question but. Why do so many owners take their boom off when the stick is still up. About 40 percent do in our marina do. Boom will out last boat and soon than later you are going to damage Interior wood work.

Well, if I leave the boom up, then I'll need a topping lift, and a sheet, and maybe a preventer. It'll still move a bit in the breeze, wearing down the gooseneck fittings. Plus all the internal lines for reefing or whatnot are also exposed to the elements. And when I'm working on the boat I can whack my head on the boom too.

In general, winterizing the boat is taking down anything and everything that can come down. Taking it home is better than keeping it below. Any line left out for the winter will suffer UV and freezing. It just won't last as long.

And don't even get me started about the birds and the bugs.

I've seen people around here leave their booms and even their sails on for the winter. To each their own. 20 years ago it was rare to see a boat "covered" for the winter...now its the status quo.

Your question is totally valid. Why take the mast down? Each owner gets to choose. They do the work, and they pay for the replacements and repairs.

[Beantown]

Thanks for the ideas. Here comes Spring -- have a great boating season everyone.