Lazy jacks - how are they fitted?

[romandesign]

I realized during the first voyage that I have no idea what's the deal with lazy jacks: they don't reach the boom. They end about one meter higher than the boom, but previous owned definitely used them. So where do they go and what am I missing? I do have a white bunjee kind of line that maybe goes somewhere form the boom an meets them? Anyone has something similar? Here's the photo - not the best one, but when clicked to enlarge you can see where the lazy jacks end (I tied them to the mast so they won't get in the way).

[dustoff]

Lazy jacks can be fitted several different ways. Its not clear from your photo how yours are supposed to be configured. If you do an image search on google you can see the multiple configurations for lazy jacks. Generally speaking, you have two lines on either side of masthead (generally on blocks which run back down the sides of the mast for adjustment), which are then each connected partway down to two or more lines. These single lines that are split/linked to multiple lines which attach to connecting points on both sides of the boom can be done with blocks, splices, or knots or a combination. There's not a single hard and fast configuration, and you can make adjustments based on how well the lazy jack lines capture the furled sail and prevent it from flying around, while also not interfering with the mainsail shape when flown.

[romandesign]

Mine are had-fixed to the top part of the mast. On each side there is a single line, that then splits to two lines, and they each have a kind of a loop on the bottom (inside the loop is a plastic smooth ring). No adjustments of any kind on that part of the lazy jacks. So two rings on each side, but they don't reach to the boom, and I recall there is a white bungee-like long line with hooks of some kind, and there are metal hooks on the boom (two from each side) so maybe it somehow attaches there, but how exactly I don't know.

[dustoff]

Sounds like the bungee lines are supposed to clip onto one rope loop, and then run under the boom, through the hook/eye on the boom, and then clip onto the other rope loop. This would provide the adjustment and necessary slack to prevent the system from interfering with the mainsail shape. That would make up for the fact that you don't have the ability to adjust with blocks at the top of the mast.
This sounds like a pretty simple system, and it should work once you get the right bungee lengths. The only downside is that you won't be able to run the lazy jack adjustment lines back to the cockpit, to tighten or loosen up the system. But that's really not a big deal. All this really needs to do for you is allow you to drop and then raise the mainsail in a hurry without having to go up on deck to keep it from flopping all over the place. If you're planning on having the mainsail down underway for a long period of time, it should be properly secured and covered anyway.

[romandesign]

Sounds like the bungee lines are supposed to clip onto one rope loop, and then run under the boom, through the hook/eye on the boom, and then clip onto the other rope loop. This would provide the adjustment and necessary slack to prevent the system from interfering with the mainsail shape. That would make up for the fact that you don't have the ability to adjust with blocks at the top of the mast.
This sounds like a pretty simple system, and it should work once you get the right bungee lengths. The only downside is that you won't be able to run the lazy jack adjustment lines back to the cockpit, to tighten or loosen up the system. But that's really not a big deal. All this really needs to do for you is allow you to drop and then raise the mainsail in a hurry without having to go up on deck to keep it from flopping all over the place. If you're planning on having the mainsail down underway for a long period of time, it should be properly secured and covered anyway.

Thanks. I'll try to figure it out. I just found this image, which seems similar to the arrangement I have, only I don't have blocks: Just have to figure our how to attach the bungee line shown red. I do have two sets of hooks on the boom, and one on the mast, like shown there.

[dxg4848]

I would suggest you check out Lazy Jacks/Sail Cradle combo from BWY. I have mine third season and love it!

[romandesign]

I would suggest you check out Lazy Jacks/Sail Cradle combo from BWY. I have mine third season and love it!

Thanks, but I already have whatever mine is, so I'll try to use it first and see if it works.

[Neo]

Lazy Jacks seen very expensive for some cord and 4 mini blocks .... Am I missing something?

[DaveC426913]

Sounds like the bungee lines are supposed to clip onto one rope loop, and then run under the boom, through the hook/eye on the boom, and then clip onto the other rope loop. This would provide the adjustment and necessary slack to prevent the system from interfering with the mainsail shape. That would make up for the fact that you don't have the ability to adjust with blocks at the top of the mast.
This sounds like a pretty simple system, and it should work once you get the right bungee lengths. The only downside is that you won't be able to run the lazy jack adjustment lines back to the cockpit, to tighten or loosen up the system. But that's really not a big deal. All this really needs to do for you is allow you to drop and then raise the mainsail in a hurry without having to go up on deck to keep it from flopping all over the place. If you're planning on having the mainsail down underway for a long period of time, it should be properly secured and covered anyway.

Thanks. I'll try to figure it out. I just found this image, which seems similar to the arrangement I have, only I don't have blocks: Just have to figure our how to attach the bungee line shown red. I do have two sets of hooks on the boom, and one on the mast, like shown there.

I don't know why anyone would want an arrangement hwer the lower part is bungee. (Unless the cord also serves as tie-downs. But tie-downs should have have much slack at all, if they're gonig to wrap the sail under tension)

My lazy jacks only go a little higher than the spreaders. No need for them near the masthead.

They are thin cord all the way down. I would not want them stretchy, since they should either be taut when in use, or they should be slack when sail is up. You wouldn't want them under any tension at all - such as might be the case with bungee - while sail is deployed, or they'll affect the shape of the sail.

[DaveC426913]

Just have to figure our how to attach the bungee line shown red. I do have two sets of hooks on the boom, and one on the mast, like shown there.

Bungee?
I don't know why anyone would want an arrangement where the lower part is bungee. (Unless the cord also serves as tie-downs. But tie-downs should no have much slack at all, if they're gonig to wrap the sail under tension)

My lazy jacks only go a little higher than the spreaders. No need for them near the masthead.

They are thin cord all the way down. I would not want them stretchy, since they should either be taut when in use, or they should be slack when sail is up. You wouldn't want them under any tension at all - such as might be the case with bungee - while sail is deployed, or they'll affect the shape of the sail.


Top lines are tied to eyestraps.
The jack line is one line, tied at one end, cleated at the other.
Tied end goes up from an eyestrap on port side of boom, forward
up to port block
down under boom through eyestrap, aft
up to stbd block
down to stbd cheek block
aft to cleat

I just pull on the bitter end and all jacks tighten up.
When sailing, I release the cleat and shake out a bunch of slack.

The tie-downs are bungee cord attached to eyestraps, with nylon hooks, on the underside of the boom - very little slack in them, for a good hold.

I can make you a better sketch, if you are interested.

[JotaErre]

My lazy-jacks are connected to the lazy-bag.

[DaveC426913]

My lazy-jacks are connected to the lazy-bag.

The ultimate way to do it.

[Neo]

I can make you a better sketch, if you are interested.

Yes I am very interested

Is there anything there I could not make up/buy myself? .... eyestraps, cleats, blocks etc?
Is it Nylon Cord?... What cord size?

Could you please post up some photos of the hardware and fittings involved?

All the best
Neo

[DaveC426913]

Is there anything there I could not make up/buy myself? .... eyestraps, cleats, blocks etc?

Nope. It's all standard stuff.
I bought it as a kit - for $70 - but it's really just for convenience.

- 4 eyestraps (sized for your line)

- 1 cheek block

- 1 locking clam cleat (sized for your line)
- 2 swivel pulleys (The kind you tie a line to):

- A hand riveter and rivets.
- And a bunch of cord. I think it's maybe 3/16".

Could you please post up some photos of the hardware and fittings involved?

Will do but it may be a little while.

[Neo]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for all the information.

I'm surprised the cord side is 3/16" (4-5mm). Do you believe that it needs to be that strong?

All the best
Neo