Routing 2nd (upper) reef lines for single line reefing

[JeffJuneau]

Hi Highlander, I don’t want to answer your question for LordElsinore, but he did indicate in his previous post in this thread, that he ordered the reefing kit from BWY. Both LordElsinore and I have 26Ms that were set up by BWY, with the same curved cheek blocks, eyes, clam cleat, and reefing line that is included in that BWY reefing kit, and that LordElsinore showed in his images. LordElsinore noted that he added a 2nd full BWY reefing kit on his boom. It looks to me like it would use less total reefing line than routing the reefing line down the mast and across the deck to the cockpit.

To me, the Ronstan RF285 cheek blocks you included in your post look exactly like the ones that come in the BWY reefing kit. Are the the same? I don’t know. You could check with BWY to see if they use that brand. I found this whole tread on reefing to be extremely helpful. Thanks so much for posting the hardware and the explanation for how you might set them up. I already have some unused blocks mounted on my deck so it would be relatively easy to put the 2nd (upper) reef system in, led back to a clutch in front of the cockpit, or just operate it from the boom as LordElsinore has set up. I am attracted to the simplicity of just reaching up to the back of the boom and pulling a reefing line down, and cleating it in, especially since that is exactly how my reef line is already set up for the 1st (lower) reef point on my sail.

To answer your other question, the reefing line in the BWY kit, and that they supplied for my boat, looks like 5/16. I compared it to ¼ inch twisted line and it was a slightly larger diameter.

I hope you post images and report on whatever you come up with!

[LordElsinore]

I just used their single line reefing kit for my second reefing line. I figured that way it would match all the gear from my original single line reefing kit that was already installed when I got the boat. Their lines page showed that they use 3/16" for their reefing kit, and I assumed that what they included would be too short, so I ordered 100' of that size from Amazon. But it turned out that the included line was more than enough for routing my second reef point - I even ended up cutting off some excess, that what I ordered from Amazon ended up being used for my kayak.

[Highlander]

Hi LordElsinore
Thx for the reply but ! what r the faster Hole Centers on ur V-Cleat,Fairleads ! 66.0 mm = 6.6cm or 2 5/8", or 48.0 mm = 4.8cm or approx 1 7/8" . I,m trying to determine if they,re size is Ronstan Medium RF5106 or Small RF5101
or anyone else who also has the BWY single line reefing system , I,m thinkin it,s the Smaller one just by the line size capacity 1/8" tp 3/16" but would like to know for sure

Thx J

[JeffJuneau]

Hi Highlander, The center to center hole width on my BWY single-hand reefing kit V-cleats are 66mm, not 48mm. I contacted Todd at BWY and asked for the diameter of the lines used in the single-line reefing kit. He said that they are listed as 3/16, but sometimes measure to a larger diameter. I measured my line that came with the BWY reefing kit and my micrometer says they are 1/4" and not 3/16. Maybe they just expand after many years of use.


The cheek blocks that came with my BWY reefing kit have holes that are 69mm center to center on each side.

When I set up a 2nd upper reefing point, I will just purchase a new kit from BWY, because they have great prices, everything fits as it should, they provide installation and fitting advice, ship promptly, and I want to do my small part to keep them in the game of supporting our little sailing toys.

[LordElsinore]

and I want to do my small part to keep them in the game of supporting our little sailing toys.

I feel the same, so I try to support them whenever I can. (Amazon Prime free shipping does spoil a man though)

[Skim61]

Recently, in preparation for a new mainsail with 2 reef points, I've been contemplating this very issue. I found Viadana to have good prices for micro blocks. They offer a double inline block (btm rt in pic) that seems could be utilized for 2 reef lines if mounted at an angle, saving holes and cleaning up the boom a bit. Here's what I've ordered to tackle bringing 2 reeflines to cockpit cam cleats.

[787Sailor]

Some great information here.
I am considering adding a BWY reefing system to my X for next season. One thing I am not clear on is whether I need a topping lift to support the boom while taking in a reef. Is that a requirement? If so, would the rigid Boomkicker that BWY sells have any advantages or disadvantages over a traditional topping lift?
Thanks.

[Russ]

Some great information here.
I am considering adding a BWY reefing system to my X for next season. One thing I am not clear on is whether I need a topping lift to support the boom while taking in a reef. Is that a requirement? If so, would the rigid Boomkicker that BWY sells have any advantages or disadvantages over a traditional topping lift?
Thanks.

The boomkicker is a clever device and holds the boom well.

However, you can make a topping lift for $25. Just attach a line from the top of the mast to the end of the boom. Mine has an eye in the boom with 2 clips on the line to adjust for sailing and higher to get the boom out of the way.

(Reefing gear on boom not being used)