My 1975 Bristol 34 has a sliding gooseneck with a boom that was originally designed for roller reefing. The boom was long since converted to slab reefing, but I have found that the sliding gooseneck has another advantage. The boom's total vertical travel is about 18". When the breeze is light, I hoist the main as far as it will go--that is, when the boom hits the upper stop on the gooseneck track. When the breeze freshens, I have found that lowering the boom (and therefore the main) to the bottom stop is like a first "half reef". Lowering the center of effort that little bit makes a noticible difference in how well the boat stands up to the breeze.
Jim Fulton
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