Reefing problem Hunter 376

[shorebird]

Our Hunter 376 has a fractional rig, with a high roach fully battened main. When close hauled, the sail can be trimmed to a tight flat sail with good windward performance, but, slab reef to the first reef point, and the sail billows out like a balloon. we have tried tightening the foot, luff, ect, but we can't seem to get a flat sail, nor even close. It is an older sail, so It could be the sail is stretched, but I also wonder if the high roach adds to the problem when reefed. Is this a characteristic of the vessel? The reef points do seem to tighten the sail, and we have tried tightening the vang and adjust the topping lift with no success. We also have the Dutchman flaking. Any input?

[Snore]

How is the clew reefed?

There are a couple of good videos that discuss how to set up your clew properly- I like this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbXlEsrlo1s

The key is to make sure the clew is pulled towards the end of the boom AND down to the boom.

If that is not the issue, perhaps some photos would help.

[sailorboy1]

Some Hunter b&r rig sails have 3 reef points, but only have 2 reef lines used. Are you sure you have the reef lines in the correct reef points.

The sail on my 410 is 17 years old and I have the Dutchman and my reef works fine.