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Hello again.
As a prospective DE38 owner/skipper, sailing normally with only my wife, I look at the large mainsail with some trepidation!
I would think that a set of lazy jacks or the Dutchman flaking system would be very beneficial. Would anyone care to share their experience with such and tell me who makes these items? Many thanks in advance.
Bob
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While thinking about the mainsail, I also am curious as to how owners like the standard main sheet arrangement. It seems to me rather awkward for the helmsman to steer the course and trim the main at the same time with the mainsheet winch so far away to the rear. I am sure with practice it works out and I have yet had the opportunity to sail the boat. Just curious. Thoughts/comments most welcome.
Fair winds
Bob
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I installed Lazy Jacks on an Alberg 52 some years ago ( the main was a bit of a beast), and now I wouldn't have a boat without them.
They are a simple affair to make and install. I had them aboard when I bought my DE38, although I've trashed the setup that was here, and am in the process replacing them to my standards ( along with 2301 other things :P)
I still have the original factory sheet setup for the main, and I'm not real thrilled with it, but so far, I haven't seen or come up with anything I'm wild about either.
S/V The Last Farewell,
Currently laying Panchos Marina
Marathon, Florida
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Thanks, Solo Bob!
Yes, the lazy jacks seem simple enough. I have looked at the Mack Pack arrangement and it would seem simple enough to make the same thing yourself.
For the main sheet I will just wait and see how things work in practice. Maybe having a cam cleat closer to the wheel would be a good start. Maybe even two: one port, one starboard.
Lots of fun ahead. My list is growing and I don't even own the boat yet!
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I had a Mack Pack on my last boat and loved it so we got Mack Packs for the main and mizzen on Grace. I can drop and stow the main in minutes, all from the cockpit. It makes single handing possible and even enjoyable. I would also strongly suggest the "Strong track" addition which is an extruded and very slippery track that fits in your existing groove and makes the sail fall down like it was greased. They have different profiles to fit whatever track you have now and install surprisingly easy. It also makes dropping the main possible in situations other than only heading into the wind. It's an excellent combination. The sails also go up much easier.
I replaced the original main sheet system with a Harken track with ball bearing cars. Works very well and after examining the wood blocks that came off, it didn't appear as though I had many years before one of them would have failed in a bad moment.
The easier the boat and sails are to handle, the more you'll use it.
Rick
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Thanks, Rick. I appreciate your help. I am looking for anything that will make handling simpler.
The Mack Pack does look ideal. They have a video on their website which shows how simple it is.
I understand the benefits as you describe them. Sounds like a top priority for me.
The only hitch I can think of is that the permanent sail cover would get in the way of the reefing lines. How have you dealt with that?
I like the idea of the Harken traveller. Do you have double or triple blocks on the sheet?
Fair winds
Bob 
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