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QUESTION
Currently I use hanked on headsails for my 1980 sloop rigged Flicka. I have seen some post around the web on reefable jibs vs. furling. From what I can see there are some people who use furling systems on "trailerable" boats with pleased results. My experience with furling systems is limited and non-existent on trainable boats.
The question is does anyone use a furling system on their Flicka, and if so how do they like it? I will probably look at getting a new jib next season and am considering this vs. a reefable jib. Also, how will this increase the difficulty of the trailer package. Thanks for any information.
Coy
REPLY #1
I held out against roller furling until ProFurl brought out their smallest R25 unit and have been very happy with it. I put it on myself in the garage, just needed help getting it back on the boat. It does need 2 people when handling the mast. I had my 100% hanked on jib converted, and had Maine Sailing Partners build me a new radial cut 130% which I really love. It helps the boat's performance quite a bit. The nice thing about ProFurl is they give you an antiwrap gizmo that fits on the headstay. Also, I saw a CW post that suggested drilling a hole in the bottom of the drum to fit a bow shackle to keep it from turning. Makes the whole thing very secure for storms with the sheets wrapped a few times.
I have heard people say that the ProFurl is harder to furl/unfurl. I don't think this is a big problem especially as the sail breaks in. In fact I like it when it's really windy because you don't have the whole thing unfurling and then have to reef it back in.
You do have to take out the bottom pin on the turnbuckle and replace it with an eye and toggle. This allow it to work properly and keep the correct headstay length.
Now I wonder why I spent all those years bagging the jib.
Priscilla,
s/v Cadenza
REPLY #2
We have a semi-rigid furler on our boat (Hood I think it is) which must be handled very carefully when raising and lowering the mast, and must be supported with a broomstick handle taped to the mast while trailering as it is longer than the mast near its base...with two people raising/lowering it isn't too bad, but a flexible furler such as Cruising Designs would be a LOT easier to manage...not much more trouble than the headstay alone, and a breeze to trailer with...
For coastal cruising a furler is really convenient...
Mike,
s/v Eventide
REPLY #3
The Shaeffer and Harken flexible furlers are a bit lightweight for the Flicka. My Flicka has a Harken Unit 0 (a very good rigid furler). With special factory permission, we are retrofitting the flexible extrusion from the Harken flexible furler to the Unit O. This has been done several times and has been proven offshore (Azzurra, which won the Coastal Cup - SF to Santa Barbara - had this setup and won overall). I'll let you all know how it goes. This should be the best of both worlds - strong for offshore - flexible for trailer activities.
Eric Jungemann
Rod Bruckdorfer
©: copyright 2000 Rod Bruckdorfer
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