DS I Roller Reefing experiences

[hriehl1]

Big winds last weekend on our lake and we felt we had too much sail. We tried using the main only, but the boat handled very poorly.

Have you used the roller reefing capability? I assume one simply disconnects the mid-boom sheet attachment and operates the mainsheet from the rear of the boom. Does it work OK?

As an alternative, I'm considering looking for a smaller main and jib on EBay (for a Widgeon or the like) and using those in heavy winds. Does anyone know the proper bolt-rope size our masts and booms are designed for?

Just curious about others' experiences.

Thanks.

[kokko]

I have used the roller reefing and did not care for it. I had my old Catalina 22 main recut to fit the DSI - they are almost the same size - and used the reef points on that main. I had to tie it to the boom, but the midboom sheeting functioned and I had good sail shape. When I get a chance, I will rig a jiffy reef system for the boat

[John Stevens]

I had reef points put in the sail for 75.00.

John