I have jiffy reefing (slab reefing) on the reefing clew of my M15. Before I added the topping lift I could reef reasonably well by hauling in on the clew jiffy reefing about 1/2 way. Then lowering the main 1/2 way, hauling the clew jiffy reefing so it is now about 3/4 of the way then lowering the halyard to get the tack in place. Then finish hauling the clew down tight. This points the boom up towards the mast but it is stopped by the boom vang so on my boat you had to adjust a couple of times. All this is done while you are hove to so the boat is under control. I don't know if this will work with the M17 but I don't know why not. You can install the jiffy reefing without lowering the mast. Thanks Doug Kelch M15 "Seas the Day" --- On Fri, 11/21/08, larrypegg@aol.com <larrypegg@aol.com> wrote: From: larrypegg@aol.com <larrypegg@aol.com> Subject: M_Boats: Columbia To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Date: Friday, November 21, 2008, 12:52 PM Well I've been out on the Mighty Columbia a few times now.? Not as much as I would like but that's how it goes this time of year.? I'm not nearly so brave when it's just me on the water.? I pull in my roller jib pretty early and am wishing for a topping lift for the main so I could reef if need be. the wind has been mostly very light and the one time it picked up we were already headed in.? Overall, I've learned some and had a good time.? The bad news is (good for Ida sailor) when I was single handing the first time I forgot to pull the rudder and almost ruined it.? My wife normally does this while I get the truck.? I salvaged it with some epoxy but it is in Bad shape.? So, over the holiday, I'll take it to Joel and have a new swing up made . Anyone have experience with reefing the main with no topping lift.? is there a good sequence of action that makes it easy?? At your service Larry Pegg Pilgrim M-17 #55 208 249 0538 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats