Reef Line Material and Configuration

1. What material is best for reefing lines?

I could simply tie it up with pieces of retired main sheet, but is there something better to use, like webbing? I'd want to go as large as possible to reduce the stress on the sail cloth as I can only wrap once at each grommet.

2. What configuration is best?

What is the best rigging method? Which knots work best to secure it fast in the expected high winds, and which configuration is easiest to untie? What length of line?


I was thinking about just a bowline in some old main sheet that would receive a couple of half hitches once wrapped around the main, but that seemed overly simple and made me wonder if there was a better method.


Thanks in advance!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I don't know if I'm doing it right - but it seems to work.

I use a lightweight line - parachute cord. It doesn't seem like a lot stress goes through the reef lines in my experience. I've used 2 half hitches, or just a shoe-lace knot and bow, whatever that's called. My lines are about a 12"-18" long, but I've seen recommendations for 2-3' of length.

I always carry them on the boat, in case the wind picks up when I'm far from home.

frank

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frank pichel, H16 Veribold, #71146

1/4" diamater for the tack and clew points.

Lighter weight, as noted above, (3/16" or less) for the 3 lines through the grommets to hold up the bunched up sail. Fyi... these can not take sailing loads. The grommets will tear. Even bungee will work. The sail is tacked down hard. Clew is held tight to the boom and outhauled hard. That is all that is needed for sail loads... the rest is just holding the folds of sail to the boom.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt!

How about one piece of line/shock cord that runs through the center grommets and spirals around the extra sail material along the way?

Maybe one of double length that can run through the grommets twice to help hold the folds of sail a little more?

When doing this either way, how hard is it to ensure the boom blocks aren't 1) interfered with and 2) that they don't damage the sail?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

One line (shock cord) can work. No problem keeping the sail off the blocks.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I used a system very similiar to that described by Matt when reefing my 1979 H16. I used two 1/4" ~ 2' lines, one each, for the tack and clew (double wrapped) with square knots (or sheep bends) and ball bungies for the grommets between. I kept the lines in my Hobie bag that I keep clipped to the tramp just aft of the mast for onboard access. The double wrap made it easy to get a tight bundle even when on the water in a blow and the ball bungies are also quick and easy to install. This set-up is quick & simple AND worked well in 30 -35+ winds.