Reefing System

One of the boom aft reefing blocks is frozen on my IP 29. I've tried lubricating the block but I can't free it up. The reefing system is very stiff and that makes me suspicious that the rest of the system needs lubrication. The problem is that I can't figure out any way to get inside the boom to check things out. I can't disassemble the aft end of the boom as it is riveted in and I would have to destroy the rivets - at least that's the way I see it.

Any advice on doing maintenance on the reefing system?

I've serviced the reefing system and replaced lines on my IP27. You need access to the inside of the boom from the aft end, so you'll have to drill out the rivets. Replace them with machine screws tapped into the boom. Once inside, you can inspect and lube the shuttle that connects the forward and aft lines of the reef (there's one shuttle for reef #1 and another for reef #2). You can also make sure that the reef lines aren't hanging up on the outhaul rigging. With the aft boom cap off, you can also remove and replace the Delrin sheaves (both Delrin and aluminum replacements available from RigRite). I'm now using 5/16" Sta-Set for the reefing lines, plenty strong and freer running than the original 7/16" (or 1/2").

Some people have removed the shuttles altogether, and replaced them with a pair of appropriately sized blocks, attached end-to-end, so as to create a shuttle with actual sheaves on each end, not non-rotating pins. I intend to do exactly that this winter. As mluskin mentioned, to get the end cap off, the rivets have to be drilled and the holes tapped out for machine screws, etc. Parenthetically, on our 32, the shuttles were actually just small enough to come out the holes in the end cap - but just barely.

A couple of years ago I replaced all the sheaves - mast head and boom end and cleaned all the other parts involved. You'd be surprised how much freer things run after a good cleaning. I used the delrin sheaves from Rig-Rite..

One such shuttle using real blocks is at APS: Harken Carbo Traveler blocks, 29mm sheave for line up to 5/16" ($27).

See: www.apsltd.com/29mm-carbo-traveler.html

Looks like it ought to work.

Looks great! I just may get a pair of those, instead of making my own.

Thx.

Regarding replacing the drilled out rivets by tapping the boom, and using machine screws
You may be able to get away with using a slightly larger sized rivet, and thus not have to "tap"
The existing hole.
Be sure you obtain rivets with a stainless steel or alumimium "nail" as the more common mild steel rivet nails. Will rust quickly.
Ed