Ed Thomas wrote:
We've started the process of buying a newer and larger boat. One of the
major choices is the method of handling the mainsail. I have no experience
with either furling, lazyjack or "dutchman" systems. I'd appreciate any
comments or experiences with any or all these options. I'm leaning right now
to a "stackpack" type system.

Thanks.

Ed




I have the Dutchman sytem, only because new main sail I purchased from a
sail broker, already had it included. I had no previous experience
with this system and went ahead with the installation. I have used it
for 2 seasons and I'm really not impressed with it or the support from
The Dutchman.

My main complaint is with the upper full battens catching at the
junction of the vertical reef line and the topping lift. Mostly the
problem is with the upper most full battens and the forward guide line.

When I talked to "The Dutchman" he basically blew me off, with and
attitude, that I'm not a sail maker or a potential 'new' customer at a
boat show.

I expect my complaints and problems could have been worked out if a sail
maker were talking to "The Dutchman".

When I contacted him about about the prospect of changing main over to
loose-foot, basically was told to ask my sailmaker to look for the
information in the Dutchman manual. The sailmaker I contacted had
installed several systems but had no such manual.

Sorry, I didn't mean to make this a tyraid.

I'm getting use to the system and finding my own solutions, but I would
never spend new sail money on the system and would go with a well
thought out lazy jack system.


Steve
s/v Good Intentions