J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Lazyjacks

I have a set of lazyjacks on the boat. I can't imagine that they are a significant speed factor although they are sure convenient to have. Do the Class Rules permit their use?

I'm not sure about the class rules for lazy jacks, but I have only raced PHRF so far, and they look like they would make sailing with just my two boys (10 & 7) much easier. In the latest flyer from Defender US, they advertise a Wichard totally removable lazy jack system that looks interesting. I'm not sure if it is retractable as well, but it might make sense if lazy jacks were against class rules. Does anyone have any suggestions about which lazy jack system to buy and how to install it? I've heard that you should mount the upper pulleys to the spreaders instead of directly to the mast to prevent the lines from slapping the mast constantly. Does anyone have worries about mounting a small pulley to the spreaders? Would it weaken it too much?

Tom Eskridge
#469 Twister

I just installed the Harken Lazy Jacks...do not attach to the spreaders...there is a definite geometry to the installation and Harken defines it very well...it is also suggested to add bungi cords to pull the small blocks away from the mainsail path and avoid battens from hanging up on the hoist. This is required...other than that it works great....I added a bronze snap shackle to each of the boom lines so I can remove the lines after the sail is secure and use the existing sail cover with no modifications.. by remove I mean dress them towards the mast...Hope this helps...
Bob #92 Simply Red