Good morning Tom,
There are very simple ways to reef without all the hardware assuming your sail has reef points.
Lets say it does. The reef points are the holes with grommets that run horizontally across the sail in a row. Again, since you are asking lets assume you already know this.
Lastly there are folks who will argue the "proper way" vs any other "functional" way.
My very simple method did NOT have jiffy reefing, cunninghams, down halls. No fancy gear! NADA!
Long before going sailing I Installed lines about afoot and a half long in each of the holes in the sail. Basically run a line through the hole and tie a stopper knot like maybe a figure eight knot in each end. Net affect is you have a line hanging in your sail for each hole.
To reef
All I did was loosen the halyard. ( funny line that holds the main up )
Lower the sail so the the reef points are on the boom. Now the hard part, you have to make a choice . . . .
the tack of the sail is the forward bottom hole that is hooked to the boom however you now have a new tack as the sail is lowered. You can either hook the new tack in the same place the actual tack is awkward but free!
Or if you have a cleat at the base of the mast you can run a line from the new tack to the cleat. Not as clean but still cheap and easy. Or you could rig a proper downhall.
Now the clew, you know , the hole at the foot of the sail but at the opposite end of the tack, that is hooked up to the out haul.
Again, choices! On the cheap? Simply loosen the outhaul, unclip it from the existing clew, move it to the new clew which is the hole that has been lowered to the boom, and pull snug! Or you can rig a second outhaul to make this a bit cleaner and easier.
Lastly, remember all the lines hanging in the sail that are now on the boom because you lowered the sail? Tie them to the boom while synching up excess main sail that is there!
OK, Keep in mind, the cheap options I offer are extremely effective and you can reef your sail and play! However they are a bit clumsy and time consuming. I usually reefed at the dock using that method. Much easier.
Once you are familiar and comfortable with reefing, you can google "Jiffy Reefing" Take the concept and add to your reef system simple things that assist you along the way! You can add extra outhauls without the downhauls, or if you prefer do the opposite! Add one piece at a time to spread out the costs! IF YOU WANT! If the cheap method works good for you stick with it!
From my experience on this sized boat, all the fancy hardware for reefing is very nice, However, for me? The most helpful item I added for reefing was a simple adjustable topping lift! No more boom on the coachtop while fussing with this, PLUS you can keep the boom up high when sitting at the dock enjoying time with your friends and family!
Now go sailing! LOL!
Hope this helps!
Scott
PS: You will get those who indicate the cheap method is not effective if you are suddenly caught in a blow. I beg to differ, it is very effective in a blow, however it is no where near as easy to set up as the "well defined proper" method with all the toys. You should practice at the dock on calm days you you have zero surprises on the water!