DSK wrote:
?? Never seen reef points on a Hunter 146 (or any other boat that size).


Walt wrote:
It's not the norm, but it's not unheard of. For instance, CL boatworks
offers mainsail reef points for the CL-14 and CL-16 as a factory
option. Cost about $100 CDN.

OK, but is it an option on a Hunter 146? I'd be suspicious that the
reefed sail shape might not be good, and that it may well put odd
stresses on the rig & spars.

I have seen some reefs put on daysailers in the 17' ~ 20' size range,
and most often it resulted in a boat that didn't sail any better than if
it was lugging the whole sail. Not to say that it couldn't be done, but
to design the rig from scratch for reefing capability would probably be
a big performance hit for normal sailing.



Well, the shrouds and forestay should hold (i.e. the mast shouldn't come
down) but everything else that can shake loose may well shake loose:
shackles, cleats, pintles, etc. When it's blowing the dog off the
chain, you'd better double check the mechanical integrity of
*everything* before going out (including yourself!).

True. Glad you put pintles on the list, these (and other rudder
fittings) can break in heavy air if either mistreated, neglected, or
poorly designed & built from scratch. BTW I consider failing to do
simple routine maintenance on the rig, like checking & taping pins &
shackles, a form of mistreatment. It's not rocket science and it ought
to be obvious to anybody who knows the rudiments of sailing.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King