Plastimo Headsail Reefing
the single most popular choice of headsail reefing in Europe
- Can be fitted without having to scale the mast
- Fits over the existing stay
- Highly resistant to the ravages of the marine environment
- Virtually maintenance free
- Prices start below £200 offering great value for quality reefing gear.
Models available
- 406S & 406T - for boats 4 to 6 metres long (approximately)
- 608S & 608T - for boats 6 to 8metres long (approximately)
- 810S & 810T - for boats 8 to 10 metres long (approximately)
- 1210T - for larger boats with forestay 8 - 10mm diameter
- 'S' models have a single luff channel
- 'T' models have a twin luff channel
- both models of 406 and 608 offer a choice of link plates that attach the reefing drum to the bottom of the forestay -
- Chainplate version - enables the reefing drum to be set lower when there is no turnbuckle/bottlescrew present and
- Turnbuckle version - longer chain plates that support the reefing drum higher off the deck or where a bottlescrew is present.
Optional Assembly Fittings
Luff Spar:
many craft will need an extra length of luff spar if the forestay length exceeds that supplied in the standard kit - s model foils are 1.5m (5') long, T model foils are 2.1m (6'11") long.Halyard Diverter
- the biggest single problem with all headsail reefing systems is halyard wrap; when there
is a tendency for the halyard to wrap around the forestay when you try to reef. To help eliminate this problem,
we offer two solutions:
- if assembling with the mast up, a disc which sits around the forestay
above the luff spars which alters the
halyard/forestay angle. - if the mast is down, a plate which diverts the halyard
part way down the
mast leading the stay at an angle of about 20°.
Control Kit

- you will need to a length of reefing control
line and a means of leading the line aft to the cockpit.
We offer a neat kit with rope and stanchion mounted fairleads and
blocks suitable for each model of reefing gear.
Spinlock PX Cam Clutch
- this little clutch is ideal to lock the reefing line by the cockpit with the line being secure at all times when you reef. No need to tie off!
Forestay
- whilst Plastimo reefing gear is intended to fit over your existing forestay, if your stay is
more than 8 years old, you should consider replacing it. Now is a good time before you fit
your new reefing gear.
Send us your old stay for renewal and, for the price of the
stay only, we will adapt your new gear to fit the stay.
Sails - Using your existing genoa
- Your no.1 genoa is likely to be too long to fit on the luff foil and will need to be reduced in length.
- It is best to cut the luff off and have a tape sewn on to the the foil.
- To take full advantage of any reefing system and leave the sail "stowed" on the foil, a UV guard should be sewn to the leech and foot to protect it - it is sunlight (ultra violet rays) that destroys sail (Dacron) fabrics.
- Typically, the cost to modify your foresail can be as much as half the cost of a new genoa, complete with UV protection.
- Remember, also, that your foresail will not have been designed for reefing and will have stretched over the years.
- It is unlikely that you will achieve good performance when reefed. We guarantee to take your old foresails in part exchange provided they are in good condition.
New Roller Reefing Genoas - new genoas from 18' to 45' (5.5m - 13.5m) are usually available from stock. If you are uncertain what size is right for your boat, go to the Sail Planner page, which will guide you. Alternatively, telephone us on +44 (0)1243 375774 or email sails@seateach.com for advice.

