[quote=MN3]Adding reef points (for high wind sailing) comes with some other considerations (but if your talking about under 15 knots - just for light cruising these points are moot - just wanted you to be aware):
how are you going to secure your (now lowered) halyard?
adding a cleat to your mast base to secure a halyard (instead of using a hook or bead at the head of your mast) turns your normally slack hayard (if you have a hook system) into a 2:1 - adding not only compression but double compression to your mast - just make sure you can handle it or find another system (i have a spinlock inlline in my mast track to secure mine (when lowered), and i have a 2:1 purchase at the top of my mast to spread the load out higher up the mast)
The new reefed downhaul and outhaul require more than just grommets in a sail - they need to have re-enforced panels or stropes (or both) sewn in too or you risk a blowout in a critical area - at a high wind time
IMHO
If your doing this just for some cruising (in light to moderate air):
get a furling jib or dont put the jib on, and don't worry about converting your cat to a reefing one unless you really plan to sail in strong - heavy air at some point-
Lots of light wind days in florida too - just depower the snot out of your boat, no jib
if you really want/need maybe a small storm sail (an old sail can be recut for this)
and stay in on heavy air days (or find crew online here and scare the crap out of them instead of your girl)
YMMV<!-- editby --><em>Edited by MN3 on Dec 25, 2017 - 11:50 AM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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