Mainsail Clew Outhaul Attachment Line Length?

[PeteC]

I just realized the outhaul line attaching the mainsail clew to the end of the boom is way too short to attach the reefed sail's clew.

This is the line shown in the pictures on page 16 and 17 of the Mac 26X manual.

What is the proper length of this line?

BTW, I will have a lot more questions coming as I learn to sail the 26X.

Thanks,

PeteC

[craiglaforce]

Just measure the distance from cleat to highest reef point clew, double it and add about 2 feet for good measure (allowance to go around the boom beneath the clew and tie or cleat both ends.
Mine is probably about 8 feet of line, for a new mainsail with 2 reef points.

This assumes you are not doing a more elaborate reefing setup.

[HERNDON]

I have been wondering about this same question myself. Mine goes
to the end of the boom and once around the cleat that is it.

Rob

[BobCardz]

That outhaul / reef arangement is kind of messy. For about $25 bucks you can build a reefing system that makes the reefing thing a 10-20 second operation. All you need is a marine eye, a mast cheek block and a clamcleat and some screws. And about 16' of 1/4 staset.

Takes about 20 minutes to do the mod.

But I think 10' was the length of the original line. That made for a lot of extra line when not reefed to wrap around the end of the mast.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Nine feet of 5/16" line on the 26C, 26X, and 26M

[PeteC]

That outhaul / reef arangement is kind of messy. For about $25 bucks you can build a reefing system that makes the reefing thing a 10-20 second operation. All you need is a marine eye, a mast cheek block and a clamcleat and some screws. And about 16' of 1/4 staset.

Takes about 20 minutes to do the mod.

But I think 10' was the length of the original line. That made for a lot of extra line when not reefed to wrap around the end of the mast.

Bob,

Please give us more details. Perhaps a picture too.

Thanks,

PeteC

[BobCardz]

I Hope this explains it.

[Harry van der Meer]

Excellent drawing Bob. I did the same thing. Makes reefing very quick and simple.

I found the original Mac set-up dangerous in a good blow.