Lazy Jacks - do I REALLY need them?

[Paul J. Nolan]

Originally Posted by theodyssey

hi all.

am a newbie single-hander on a 31' sailboat.

folks have been telling me I need lazy jacks, and - while I definitely want them - I'm on the fence.

have sail ties. they seem to work. obviously things would be much nicer/neater with lazy-jacks, but it just seems like another could-do-without, and less lines in the way.

what are your thoughts?

thanks.

Many interesting responses in this thread. The good news is that installing them is fairly simple and cheap compared to, say, installing an inboard engine. You could try 'em and if you like 'em keep 'em. If not take them off and add the line to your line locker and the small parts on the spars to your parts box.

I believe lazyjacks are a function of the size of the mainsail, the skipper's personal preference, and as Ann pointed out, age of the crew. I like to keep things simple and, in my prime, would not have had lazyjacks on a 31' boat. A 40 footer? Completely different situation.

Paul

[Three Sisters]

Originally Posted by theodyssey

hi all.

am a newbie single-hander on a 31' sailboat.

folks have been telling me I need lazy jacks, and - while I definitely want them - I'm on the fence.

have sail ties. they seem to work. obviously things would be much nicer/neater with lazy-jacks, but it just seems like another could-do-without, and less lines in the way.

what are your thoughts?

thanks.

After looking them up with photos i can say they sure look handy.