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Unlike the gear-driven type (Type I), this operates by pulling sternward on the end of the boom, which unlocks the spring-loaded cam (picture 2), and turning the boom manually. This requires keeping a constant tension on the boom, or it will lock back up (picture 1). It also requires one person on the main halyard - also keeping the gooseneck clear of the sail, and a second person on the end of the boom, rolling. Even done correctly, the resulting shape of the sail leaves much to be desired. For this reason I no longer use this system to reef, thus all the questions about the jiffy-reefing setup. I do, however, use it occasionally to store the main if I think it's going to be a while between outings.
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Seafarer Forum
