be at the mast or ran back to the cockpit. I also like the fixed block at the gooseneck. Any kind of a system that's towards the end of the boom is going to be hard to work. I have mine ran to the cockpit. All reefing lines are at the mast but the outhaul is used quite a bit and should be easy to reach. 5 or 6 to one sounds about right. Mine is 6 to one but on a larger boat. It also depends on the size of the tail that you will be pulling on. You don't want something excessively small that will cut into your hands. It's a comfort issue. IMHO.