Folding (flaking) the mainsail

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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bastonjock
Admiral
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Joined: Fri May 25, 2007 10:41 pm
Location: Lincolnshire United Kingdom Mac 26X

Post by bastonjock »

ive been looking at lazy jacks on a few boats,they all look to be made from 4 blocks and some line, anyone got anything different?
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c130king
Admiral
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Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:30 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Wiggins, MS --- '05 26M "König" w/ 40hp Merc
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Post by c130king »

Not sure if I am doing something wrong...

but my LJ system is "set it and forget it". When I take the sail cover off I hook up 4 small carabiners (2 at the front of the boom and 2 at the rear of the boom). 15 seconds max. I can tighten/loosen it up...if necessary...via standard Boy Scout slip knots (taught line hitch) near the rear caribineers...but normally is not necessary.

When I am ready to put the sail cover back on I simply unhook the 4 caribineers, pull everything forward to the mast, and put on my sail cover. Quick and easy.

No lines led aft on the LJ system. Don't really see where it is necessary to adjust it.

I do use the ball bungy cords to secure the sail to the boom before I start motoring fast.

I think the stack pack system would be very nice feature to have...but that day is still pretty far away.

Still haven't learned how to "heave to" yet...read all about it...will try it this winter me thinks.

Jim
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RickJ
First Officer
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Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2007 2:39 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 19
Location: Isle of Wight, UK - '94 19 + Tohatsu MFS30

Post by RickJ »

bastonjock wrote:ive been looking at lazy jacks on a few boats,they all look to be made from 4 blocks and some line, anyone got anything different?
I devised my own system using 5mm bungie cord, 3mm line, and small plastic hooks - didn't cost a lot!

I know the original owner had LJs, but there was no trace of the lines when I got the boat. There was some of the hardware though, small cheek blocks on the mast, and 5 SS loops spaced evenly along the bottom of the boom. I used these to adapt an idea I found on the web (can't find the reference now :( ).

I'm intending to take pics and post as a mod when the pages are back up. It's a bit hard to describe in words. The bungie doubles as sail ties as well as making the LJs stretchy so you don't need to bother adjusting the tension.

It seems to me the LJ kits are highly overpriced for the job they do.

Cheers, Rick
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