Lazy Jacks: A Simple Solution for Sail Handling

If you are a sailor, you know how challenging it can be to raise and lower the mainsail, especially on larger boats or in windy conditions. You have to deal with heavy and unruly sailcloth, battens that get caught on shrouds or spreaders, and the risk of losing control of the sail and damaging it or injuring yourself or others. That’s why many sailors use a system called lazy jacks to make sail handling easier and safer.

Lazy jacks are a network of lines that run from the mast to the boom, creating a pocket on each side of the sail. When you lower the sail, it falls neatly into the pocket, instead of flapping around on the deck or overboard. This way, you can reef or furl the sail quickly and easily, without having to leave the cockpit or fight with the sail.

Lazy jacks can be used with or without a stack pack, which is a type of sail cover that stays attached to the boom and zips closed over the sail when not in use. A stack pack protects the sail from sun damage and eliminates the need for a separate sail cover and snaps or clasps.

In this article, we will explain what lazy jacks are, how they work, what are their advantages and disadvantages, and how to use them properly. We will also review some of the best lazy jack systems available on the market and give you some tips on how to install them on your boat.

What are Lazy Jacks?

Lazy jacks are a simple but effective solution for sail handling that has been used for centuries by sailors around the world. The name comes from the fact that they make sailing easier and less labor-intensive, allowing sailors to be “lazy” when dealing with the mainsail.

Lazy jacks consist of a series of lines that run from a point on the mast (usually just above the spreaders) to several points on the boom (usually two or three on each side). The lines form an inverted V shape on each side of the sail, creating a pocket that catches the sail when it is lowered.

The lines can be attached to the mast and the boom with pad eyes, blocks, rings, or knots, depending on the type and design of the system. Some systems have adjustable lines that can be tightened or loosened to change the size and shape of the pocket. Some systems also have retractable lines that can be pulled up to the mast or down to the boom when not in use, to avoid interference with the sail.

Lazy jacks can be used with any type of fore-and-aft rigged sail, such as a mainsail, a mizzen sail, or a gaff sail. They can also be used with any type of reefing or furling system, such as slab reefing, roller reefing, or in-mast furling.

How do Lazy Jacks Work?

Lazy jacks work by guiding and supporting the sail as it is raised and lowered, making it easier to control and secure. When you raise the sail, you have to make sure that it stays within the pocket formed by the lazy jacks and avoid snagging the battens on the lines. This may require some careful steering and coordination between the helmsman and the crew.

When you lower the sail, you simply ease the halyard and let the sail drop into the pocket. The lazy jacks will hold the sail on top of the boom, preventing it from falling overboard or onto the deck. You can then reef or furl the sail as needed, without having to leave the cockpit or struggle with the sailcloth.

If you have a stack pack, you can also zip it closed over the sail, protecting it from UV rays and weather damage. This way, you don’t have to remove and store a separate sail cover every time you use or stow the sail.

What are the Advantages of Lazy Jacks?

Lazy jacks have many advantages for sailors who want to make sail handling easier and safer. Some of the benefits of using lazy jacks are:

• They save time and effort when raising and lowering the sail, especially on larger boats or in windy conditions.
• They reduce the risk of damaging or losing the sail due to wind gusts, waves, or human error.
• They allow you to reef or furl the sail quickly and easily, without having to leave the cockpit or climb on the boom.
• They make sailing more enjoyable and less stressful, as you don’t have to worry about dealing with a heavy and unruly sail.
• They can be used with any type of sail or reefing system, and can be adapted to different boat sizes and configurations.
• They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and require little maintenance.

What are the Disadvantages of Lazy Jacks?

Lazy jacks are not without some drawbacks, however. Some of the disadvantages of using lazy jacks are:

• They can interfere with the sail shape and performance, as they create friction and windage on the sail.
• They can snag the battens or the sailcloth when raising the sail, causing tears or jams.
• They can be noisy and annoying when sailing in light winds, as they flap against the mast or the boom.
• They can be difficult to adjust or retract, depending on the type and design of the system.
• They can add clutter and complexity to the rigging, and may not suit the aesthetic of some boats.

How to Use Lazy Jacks Properly?

Lazy jacks are not complicated to use, but they do require some attention and care to avoid problems and maximize their benefits. Here are some tips on how to use lazy jacks properly:

• Before raising the sail, make sure that the lazy jacks are properly tensioned and aligned, and that there are no twists or tangles in the lines. If you have retractable lazy jacks, make sure that they are fully extended and secured.
• When raising the sail, watch the sail carefully and steer the boat into the wind to keep the sail within the pocket. Avoid letting the battens catch on the lazy jacks, as this can damage the sail or stop it from going up. If a batten gets snagged, ease the halyard slightly and try to free it gently. Do not force it or pull it hard, as this can rip the sail or break the batten.
• When lowering the sail, ease the halyard slowly and let the sail fall into the pocket. Do not drop the sail too fast or too far, as this can cause it to spill overboard or onto the deck. If you have a stack pack, zip it closed over the sail as soon as possible to protect it from sun damage. If you don’t have a stack pack, flake or fold the sail neatly on top of the boom and secure it with ties or straps.
• If you have adjustable lazy jacks, you can loosen them slightly when sailing in light winds to reduce friction and noise on the sail. You can also tighten them slightly when sailing in strong winds to increase the support and stability of the sail. Do not over-tighten or over-loosen them, as this can affect the sail shape or cause the sail to fall out of the pocket.
• If you have retractable lazy jacks, you can pull them up to the mast or down to the boom when not in use, to avoid interference with the sail. Make sure that they are properly secured and out of the way. Do not leave them loose or dangling, as this can cause them to get caught on something or damage the sail.

What are the Best Lazy Jack Systems?

There are many types and brands of lazy jack systems available on the market, ranging from simple DIY kits to sophisticated commercial products. The best lazy jack system for you will depend on your boat size, sail type, reefing system, budget, and personal preference. Here are some of the best lazy jack systems that we recommend:

• Harken Lazy Jack Kit: This is a high-quality and easy-to-install lazy jack kit from one of the leading sailing equipment manufacturers. It comes with pre-swaged wire legs, low-friction bullet blocks, eyestraps, line, and fasteners. It can be used with or without a stack pack, and can be adjusted or retracted as needed. It is suitable for boats up to 45 feet long.
• Sailrite Lazy Jack Kit: This is a versatile and affordable lazy jack kit from a popular sailing supply company. It comes with Dacron line, Harken bullet blocks, eyestraps, screws, and instructions. It can be used with or without a stack pack, and can be customized to fit different boat sizes and configurations. It is suitable for boats up to 40 feet long.
• Schaefer Lazy Jack System: This is a durable and reliable lazy jack system from a reputable sailing hardware manufacturer. It comes with stainless steel legs, aluminum cleats, nylon blocks, eyestraps, line, and fasteners. It can be used with or without a stack pack, and can be adjusted or retracted as needed. It is suitable for boats up to 50 feet long.

How to Install Lazy Jacks on Your Boat?

Installing lazy jacks on your boat is not very difficult, but it does require some tools and materials, as well as some basic rigging skills. Here are the general steps on how to install lazy jacks on your boat:

• Measure the length and width of your sail, and determine how many support lines and attachment points you will need. A typical lazy jack system has two or three support lines on each side of the sail, attached to the boom just forward of the leech end of a batten. The distance between the attachment points on the boom should be about 10% of the sail’s foot length. The distance between the attachment points on the mast should be about 60% of the mast’s height above the boom.
• Mark the attachment points on the mast and the boom, and drill holes for the pad eyes or blocks. Use a center punch, a drill bit, a tap, and cutting oil to make clean and precise holes. Secure the pad eyes or blocks with screws or rivets, and apply sealant to prevent leaks.
• Cut the line for the halyard and the support lines, and whip or melt the ends to prevent fraying. Use a hot knife or a lighter to melt synthetic line, and use whipping twine and a needle to whip natural line. You can use different colors of line for the halyard and the support lines to make them easier to identify.
• Attach one end of the halyard line to a pad eye or block on the mast, and run it through a cheek block at the base of the mast. Secure it with a cleat or a jammer near the cockpit. Leave some extra line for adjustment.
• Attach one end of each support line to a pad eye or block on the boom, and run them through the corresponding pad eyes or blocks on the mast. Join them with the halyard line using a knot, a ring, or a block. Leave some extra line for adjustment.
• Raise and lower the sail several times to test and adjust the lazy jack system. Make sure that the sail stays within the pocket and does not snag on the lines. Adjust the tension and length of the lines as needed, and trim the excess line. You can also add some chafe protection to the sail where it contacts the lines, such as leather patches or tape.
• If you have a stack pack, attach it to the boom with zippers, snaps, or velcro. Attach the lazy jack lines to the stack pack with ties or clips. Zip the stack pack closed over the sail when not in use.

Key Takeaways

• Lazy jacks are a network of lines that run from the mast to the boom, creating a pocket on each side of the sail.
• Lazy jacks make sail handling easier and safer, as they guide and support the sail as it is raised and lowered and prevent it from falling overboard or onto the deck.
• Lazy jacks can be used with or without a stack pack, which is a type of sail cover that stays attached to the boom and zips closed over the sail when not in use.
• Lazy jacks have some advantages and disadvantages, such as saving time and effort, reducing the risk of damage or loss, interfering with the sail shape and performance, and snagging the battens or the sailcloth.
• Lazy jacks are not complicated to use, but they do require some attention and care to avoid problems and maximize their benefits. They also need to be properly installed and adjusted to fit your boat and sail.