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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Lazy Jack Questions

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UP250WK
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/04/2007 : 16:38:51

My hope is to start singlehanding early into the '07 sailing season (still a few months away). Therefore I want to have a Lazy Jack system designed with pieces & parts in hand when our boat comes out of hibernation. I have studied several DIY systems and some others. I like the idea of using rings at junction points and the system will be retractable. With zero experience with L-Jacks I can only quess that full length battens make it easier for the mainsail to stay on the boom.
My three main questions that I am hoping fellow C250 owners can help with are;
How many Jacklines does it take to do a good job of containing the sail?
How far aft should the rearward Jackline be positioned?
And is it a good idea to attach the upper lines on the underside of the spreaders? And why (besides the obvious)?

Any other comments and tips will be appreciated.

Thank you,
Jim D.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2007 : 18:11:58

Some members created a low cost lazy jack system - check the tech tips.

I would ask the exact same questions (so thanks)

Paul

Edited by - on

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2007 : 18:37:14

Here is the one I just purchased from Sailcare. It is unique in that it uses high quality shock cord for the bottom "M" shape. It also retracts completely and cleanly to the mast and out of the way. I thought it was such a nice design that I wanted to "knock it off" myself. With all the parts involved (shock cord, stainless, precut lengths, and even a drill bit and rivets) you couldn't beat the price. Sailcare will also replace your shock cord as needed (approx 5 yrs) for $15.

I have not installed it but studied it extensively at the boat show. Great simple system. See if they will give you boat show pricing - around $110.

http://www.sailcare.com/newcatalog/LGSHTML/sailcradleLG.shtml

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2007 : 21:29:37

Jim
I had the Sail Care system on my Capri 22 and when I moved up to a C250 I purchase a Sail Care system for it also. I've used the system for a total of 5 years ...no problems it is so easy peasey.
If you do something dumb it takes seconds to undue and recover even sailing single handed.
While crewing on another boat...... we turned into the wind and raised the main sail ASAP and while raising the main ASAP we had an unexpected wind direction change.....we were in a SOL situation and had to drop the main down a bit.... turn back into the wind and reraise the main.
You won't have a SNAFU like that situation with a Sail Care system.

paulj C250 WK #719

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KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 07:23:04

Turk, great link, Sail Care hase a great catalog with many useful items.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 10:49:35

Turk and Paul, how does the setup retract to the mast? Isn't the boom vang connection at the boom in the way? I have a boomkicker, wouldn't that also be in the way?

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 12:24:00

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 Turk and Paul, how does the setup retract to the mast? Isn't the boom vang connection at the boom in the way? I have a boomkicker, wouldn't that also be in the way?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It's quite simple actually, you unhook from the middle and rear hooks and carry it back to a hook you install at the base and sides of the mast. The shock cork takes up all the slack and yet still is in tension when moved to the base of the mast.

I have the drawings I can scan and post here. Give me a few minutes.

Edited by - on

Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 12:42:30

Here are the two drawings:

Edited by - on

AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 17:59:23

Jim D., when you go to Tech Tips for all boats the first description and picture is my do-it-myself rig. The following pictures are Dave Peters set-up, NOT mine.
My system both raises and retracts and secures at the mast. After removing the sail cover I hoist the jacks and secure the bitter ends at a mast cleat. Underway, I raise the main into the wind. Since the jacks are threaded through small blocks on the spreaders, the distance between is wide enough so the sail battens don't catch.
I sail with the jacks hoisted. Returning, I head into the wind and drop the main. In the slip I secure the main with sail ties, then retract the jacks.
If this very inexpensive (under five bucks) but effective rig
interests you, I'll post some more and closer pictures.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 19:03:57

Turk, thanks for the drawings, very helpful. So does it really work well? Taking the main down is always a hassle for the Admiral and I so if this system works it would be great. I assume that you put the sail ties on, then remove the Sail Cradle and then put the sail cover on, correct?

Edited by - on

528
Navigator

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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 19:50:35

Lessons learned from the $5 Lazy Jack. I have made the lower section control line (at the mast) from shock cord. This allows untensioning so there is no wear on the sail cover when stored. It also eliminates slack when raising/lowering sail. I am looking for nylon snap hooks to replace the clips at the "Y". This will make for fast mast lowering/raising. Frank, we'll have to decouple the pics from yours. (wasn't me)

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 22:10:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 Turk, thanks for the drawings, very helpful. So does it really work well? Taking the main down is always a hassle for the Admiral and I so if this system works it would be great. I assume that you put the sail ties on, then remove the Sail Cradle and then put the sail cover on, correct?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I haven't installed the system yet. I did see it and buy it at the Annapolis boat show. They had a working model and it was working fine.

I'll let you know this spring.

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KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2007 : 07:06:11

The neatest Main Sail control system that I have used is the Doyle StackPack. The sail cover is an integral part of the sail foot. It has a zipper from mast to boom end. To raise the main you unzip it and hoist away. When bringing the main down it is guided by simple lazy jacks, settles into the cover on the boom top and you zip it up. If you are in the market for a new main then this may be an option. I had it on my Cat 27 and really enjoyed the ease of use. Bob

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2007 : 07:56:40

I have several friends with the Doyle Stack Pak and it is amazing. I think a 27 is about where people can start justifying it but if a person can afford it, it certainly is da mooninite.

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UP250WK
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2007 : 19:53:18

Well so far I've learned a lot. Before I posted I was sure I would build the system myself. Not sure now. If I had to have a system ready in a week I think I would order the Sail Care Cradle system. Easy install, simple to use and low price. Tom, the pic's helped. But I have some time and a system that can be deployed and retracted from the cockpit appeals to me. Here are two links to one such system. Thought?
http://slowflight.net/upgrades/lazyjacks_how-to.html
http://www.slowflight.net/upgrades/lazyjacks.html

I like all the systems and appreciate the replys. What a knowledge base. Haven't checked out the Doyle system yet, but sure will.
I kind'a still have my original questions rattling around in my head.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2007 : 18:04:26

Looks like you got plenty of help. The only new 2 cents I can add is that I love my lazy jacks. They really come in handy, sailing alone or not and are very simple to operate. To me, they are a must have.
Good luck.

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2007 : 13:02:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by UP250WK
 Well so far I've learned a lot. Before I posted I was sure I would build the system myself. Not sure now. If I had to have a system ready in a week I think I would order the Sail Care Cradle system. Easy install, simple to use and low price. Tom, the pic's helped. But I have some time and a system that can be deployed and retracted from the cockpit appeals to me. Here are two links to one such system. Thought?
http://slowflight.net/upgrades/lazyjacks_how-to.html
http://www.slowflight.net/upgrades/lazyjacks.html
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's Skip Meisch's system he designed originally for a c22. I almost bought one off him as he will make them for you. It is pretty ingenious and lends itself to being lead back to the cockpit. I would study it carefully as each line has to be just exactly right or it will not "collapse" properly. He spend a lot of time coming up with the original design as it is more complicated than you think to get it to operate perfectly. Email him and see if he is still building them or maybe he could give you the proper dimensions for our boats. He may have figured it out already - no sense inventing the wheel again. He is a great guy (i owned a c22 ) and would probably be willing to help. I don't think his were that expensive either.

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UP250WK
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2007 : 08:03:53

I am still holding on to the idea of controlling Lazy Jacks from the cockpit. I did a preliminary mock-up on the basement floor that looks pretty good. I need to get my mainsail out and take some accurate measurements on longest batten and making sure to avoid interference with reefing lines & ties.
One website I found, that was not for C250, spoke of attaching the rear Jack line to the boom 6" forward of the longest batten. Can any of my C250 brothers (or sisters) comment on this rear attachment point?
Also a tip on where to find the best variety of stainless hardware?
Thank you

Jim D.

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