Dave, your input is clarifying things for me; thanks!  I will probably end up with a topping lift, but I am probably not pushing for it this season.  It doesn't seem too hard to deal with as is for now.  I'll concentrate on making sure I am able to reef the sail first. GerrySV Minikin M17-023 On Monday, June 24, 2019, 09:04:29 PM EDT, Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com> wrote: Garry. Your boom is missing hardware for an outhaul and the second reef.  The hardware present is for the first reef (though it is on the 'incorrect' side - reefing control should be on the starboard side of the mast - usually). To start just run a line from the main's tack to the strapeye at the end of the boom - your main is bolt rope so adjustment is minimal. A topping lift involves many options and ways to rig.  If you wish to have one let me know. A line attached to the backstay diamond and to the strapeye at the aft end of the boom (the same one you are using to adjust/attach the main's clew) will hold it up once the sail is down (be sure to disconnect BEFORE raising sail!!).  A snap shackle attached to a short length of line works great. :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred/     On Mon, Jun 24, 2019, 5:49 PM Gerry Lempicki via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote: Now for a couple questions regarding boom hardware.  I'll attach a few photos.  When I got the boat, there was this short line tied at the rear of the boom.  I've been using it to support the boom when the sail is not up (by tying it to the ring at the split in the backstay).  Is this same line used to tension the sail foot by pulling it back?  Or maybe some of the hardware on the boom is used.  I'll attach as few photos of the boom showing both sides. Can anyone tell me what the hardware is for? Thanks very much for any input! -Gerry

Wow, John- more excellent info pertaining to my boat's set-up.  Thanks very much!  This is all really clarifying a lot of the stuff that was clear as mud in my mind.  And in your second email too.  I really appreciate all of you typing these messages out to help me figure this out.  Even though the guys that will be helping us have a lot of sailing experience, I don't believe they have 45 year old Montgomery set-up knowledge like this.  It really helps me prepare the boat properly. Our boats are pretty close; #23, 1974 Gerry On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 02:36:21 PM EDT, John Schinnerer <john@eco-living.net> wrote: Since your boat is similar vintage to mine (#38, 1974) I suspect your OEM hardware has similar use to mine. Your mainsheet block bail looks identical. Your tack reefing strap eyes and clamcleats look identical also, though mine are placed somewhat differently (closer to each other, staggered vertically, and close to mast track/aft edge of mast rather than forward more on mast). Looks like your mast has a bent mast gate opening that is below gooseneck. Mine has milled (cut out) opening that is above gooseneck. My halyard cleats are euro-style shape and placed at 90 degrees on side of mast rather that towards aft edge of mast (cleats identical to your halyard cleats were the original jib sheet cleats on my boat). The small cheek block and small clamcleat on port side of your boom are for a topping lift. The line (I'm using 3/16" single braid polyester) is fastened to the aft portion of the masthead casting, on the port side, runs down through the small cheek block, and forward to the clamcleat. That small a cheek block would not be installed for reefing the main and as Dave said the clew reefing lines for mainsail are normally on starboard side. I moved my small cheek block for topping lift aft, as it was IMO too far forward on the boom. Yours looks more aft than mine was originally, but hard to tell from close-up. My boom has two larger cheek blocks on starboard side for clew reefing lines (and had two horn cleats also, which I replaced with clamcleats). Doesn't look like yours has any of that on starboard side? So I've no idea what that eye strap type thingy on your starboard side is for. Nothing like that on my boom. Mine has a short line with spring clip attached to the backstay splitter ring, for clipping to the rear of the boom when the boat is rigged up but 'asleep'. I also use it to hold the tiller up out of the way when not sailing but using the cockpit space (at anchor, in a slip, whatever). cheers, John

On 7/5/19 3:59 AM, Gerry Lempicki via montgomery_boats wrote:

After spending some time on my boat, and having read John's reply, I'm trying to be sure I'm clear on a couple things.  So the strap eyes on the port side and the clamcleats on the starboard side of the original mast; is it correct that these were used for the same thing a gooseneck mounted reefing hook would be?  To hold the tack reefing points?  So my hook was probably added later?

Yes, for tack reefing lines to reef the tack of the sail. My boat also had had reefing hooks added at some point - on the front of the boom. If that is the case I probably wouldn't put all new ones on the new mast unless someone has a good reason to.  Maybe one clamcleat for cunningham? Depends on how you want to do the tack reefing. I couldn't use tack lines due to no mast gate (well I could but it made for slow reefing, have to take the track stop out, let some slugs out, put it back, not drop the track stop while fussing with it...). I used the hooks some but was never happy with them (especially where they were located on mine). So I made the mast gate so I can now easily use tack reefing lines, or more likely a setup like Henry with a reefing hook on a downhaul/cunningham line. One line for all tack points, one adjustment, quick change of hook from one grommet to another. I could use either, in any case, now I'm set up with the mast gate. I took the reefing hooks off my boom. Re the clew reefing, will send some pics and response in separate mail momentarily. cheers, John -- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com