May 24, 2017. We put out a request for reader info on Lazy Jacks. DFI, Joe Sharpe, Yanqui, Yankee #197 sent in the following:

I installed lazy jacks on Yanqui a couple of years back. I installed them just like the Harken kit, but I already had all the hardware laying around. I had some coated wire rope around that I used for the upper parts (though if I were updating it I'd use a light line).

The only deviation was that I didn't attach them to the mast as far up as Harken recommended (the mast was up at the time and I think I got tired of climbing). If that made a difference, I can't tell.

I've used them with two different mainsails and they work fantastic. I usually douse the main while starting into the channel back to the slip, so keeping the main out of the cockpit really helps.

Joe

Look close - click here for a larger image

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June 1, 2017. We got the following comment from Paul Lugin http://dolphin24.org/paullugins.windswept.html

I got to try out the lazy jacks and they did a nice job of controlling the bulk of the mainsail on the boom. The downside, and I remember this from my larger boats, is that the sail can get hung up on the lazy jack lines when being raised in rough conditions, when pointing into the wind isn't always easy. It hopefully won't be a problem once I get the new tiller pilot set up.

Paul

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June 23, 2017 - Paul adds the following

The lazy jacks. I like them, I kept them simple and low and they work well without causing any serious problems. The connecting points on the boom are at 2' and 4' from the mast. They support the bulk of the sail and the rest is easily handled by a few quick sail ties. I wouldn't use more connections at the boom because I think what I would gain for that would not be worth the extra complexity. (click here for a larger image)

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December 22, 2017. Hal Schmelzer (Sunrisa, Yankee #168) contributes the following re his Lazy Jacks (minor edits)

Hi Ron.

I love lazy jacks. I single hand my sailboats 99% of the time. Dropping the main into lazy jacks comes in second only to a roller furling jib.

I installed two cheek blocks nineteen feet up the mast. This is about halfway from the spreader to the mast head. The aft line loops under the main boom six feet from the mast. The two secondary loops are at four feet and two feet. The two secondary loops go through a stainless steel ring on each side of the main line from the check blocks. The forward end of the main loop cleats at the base of the mast.

Click on the above photos for a larger image

I can slack the main line and pull the boom loops up to the mast and secure them with a sail tie or bungy cord. The mast loops can be adjusted as needed to avoid chafe on the mainsail. I used the rings and line from my favorite consignment chandler (new stuff) and some parts from my mystery box for this project. I beat the kit prices by about 80%. Of course, there was a lot of head scratching and muttering but it all worked.

I used other Dolphin Owner's notes from The Website/Technical Section, and then some other web postings for guidance. Thanks for your hard work in making this a resource for all of us.

Regards.

Hal

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