“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you”
Lazy jacks are interconnected straps that run from either side of the mast to different points on either side of the boom. They help to guide the mainsail when reefing or dropping to ensure it stacks neatly.
So, Which is The Best Lazy Jack System?
There are several varieties in the market, but these three stand out. Take a look!
Nautos 001 Lazy Jack
Check Price & More Images on Amazon
The key selling point for this Nautos 001 is its low cost. It is super affordable, although there is a catch. The required rope is not inclusive, so you have to buy it separately.
However, it has the necessary hardware, such as two single foot blocks (top-master returns), two plastic cleats, six eye straps to attach to the boom, and four cascade blocks.
Parts like the cam cleat and composite fairlead for the cam are not inclusive. They are optional pieces that you can request for a small additional cost.
Altogether, the kit is perfect for small boats that measure up to 31 feet long.
Ideal for: Sailors with small sailboats requiring only the installation hardware to set up the straps.
Read Next: The 5 Best Comfortable Drysuits for Dinghy Sailing
Harken Lazy Jack System For SailBoats
Check Price & More Images on Amazon
Whether you use a full batten or conventional mainsail, this lazy jack kit will help you contain the sail when reefing or dropping. There are three size options to pick from, which are small, medium, and large.
The small kit is perfect for boats measuring 21 – 28 feet long with short 7- to 13-foot-long booms. Its straps work well in containing mainsails with a 21 to 32-foot luff length.
On the other hand, the medium kit fits 27- to 37-foot-long boats with booms measuring 10.5 – 16 feet long. It can contain slightly larger sails with luffs that are 32 – 42 feet long.
Lastly, the large kit works perfectly on large boats (35 – 42 feet), where it contains long sails with a luff length of 35.58 – 48 feet.
All three options are complete kits with the line and cord included. Even though the system is quite costly, it is worth the money because the components are highly durable.
Ideal for: Sailors who need a complete lazy jack system and have a small, medium, or large sailboat with either conventional or full batten mainsails.
SailCare Cradle MK IV
SailCare’s Cradle MK IV is not like your regular lazy jack kit. The engineers designed it as an improved “mousetrap” that secures any mainsail type. It is strong enough to support full batten, no-batten, or conventional sails, and you don’t need to do any modifications on the mainsail or its cover.
The kit is available in seven sizes to fit any boat size. These include six kits (model 90 to 606) for boats measuring 16 – 43 feet long. If your vessel is extremely short or long, you can request model 303, a custom kit that SailCare builds to your specific requirements.
All the kit components (stainless hardware, marine-grade shock cord, and polyester line) are UV treated to maximize durability.
Installation instructions, drill bits, taps, fasteners, screws, and a Maralube corrosion protection tube are also part of the kit, giving you everything you need to mount and use the system.
Ideal for: Sailors who need complete lazy jack kits for any sailboat size. The vessel can have any mainsail type.
Buying Guide
Lazy jack systems have confusing terms, but here’s what you need to know before buying a kit.
Size
For a lazy jack system to work optimally, it must be the perfect fit for your boat. Some are perfect for small vessels measuring about 30 feet long, such as the Nautos 001 (31 feet).
Manufacturers like Sailcare produce kits for small to large boats and build customized systems for extremely small or large vessels. I highly recommend their kits because you can’t lack a perfect fit.
Type of Sail
There are three main types of sails: full batten, no-batten, or conventional sails.
Full batten sails stand firmer against strong winds and are more durable. However, the batten reinforcement makes them heavier, which means they need a sturdier lazy jack system.
The other two types are slightly lighter and don’t need such a sturdy system as the one above.
Durability
Several factors can compromise the integrity of the lazy jack system. It could be the corrosive ocean water or UV rays from the sun, and the best kit should be resistant to these elements. Otherwise, you will keep replacing it after a short while.
Kit Components
If you already have a rope/cord, there is no need to buy a complete lazy jack kit as it would be expensive with components you don’t need. The Nautos 001 would be perfect in such a scenario.
However, if you want a complete kit, check out SailCare’s Cradle MK IV and Harken’s lazy jack.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a Lazy Jack in sailing?
It is a system of networked straps that run from the mast to different points on the boom. The straps sandwich the mainsail so that it rises and drops between the lines.
How does a lazy jack work?
It helps guide the mainsail when dropping it on the boom after docking or when reefing it during rough weather.
Are lazy jacks worth it?
Yes, they are. The system keeps the sail from pouring out of the boom to the deck. The straps also make it easy to stack the sail, which is convenient if you are a solo sailor.
How can you make your own lazy jacks?
You need a set of straps, boom attachments, and pulleys. Calculate where to position pulleys on both sides of the mast (about 75% of the height). Space the boom attachments evenly, then wrap the strap around the hardware.
Concluding Remark
All the lazy jack systems above have their unique selling points, and if you need a basic, affordable kit, probably to replace worn-out hardware on your boat, I suggest the Nautos 001.
But if you have never installed a jack system and want a complete kit, look for the SailCare Cradle MK IV model that fits your boat.
