In article ,
Mika wrote:

Have not considered changing from jib to genoa and vice versa too much
hard work in our small 27ft boat. No problems with furling systems and
one can always take the sail down real fast if needed.

Now we plan to upgrade to 30-35 ft boat because our family has grown.
Notice that 99% of secondhand boats have furling system installed and
seriously consider getting rid of it or finding a boat without. Am I
very old fashioned conservative or just crazy? Like to keep things
simple and not have onboard systems I cannot fix...

Would like to hear comments from those who have had both systems.

Mike, I haven't owned both, but I've sailed with both (owned the
without version). I've also unsnarled the furler type while
underway. I tend to agree with you in that I like the standard set up,
but when it comes down to it, the furlers are very useful and pretty
hardy. For easy day sails, it's not such a big deal to deal with hanks
and such, but even then it does make life easier when going to
anchor. You don't have to either stow the jib or step on it while
working at the bow. for distance trips, the main downside to furling
is that if you need to put up a storm jib, you'll need to completely
remove the furling mechanism (not a big deal if you plan ahead)..
unless of course you have two forestays I suppose.

It may be difficult to repair a furler while underway on a long trip,
but I do know people who carry a spare unit. They're really not that
complicated anyway.

Certainly, if you're single handing, you need a good and quick way of
bring the sail down. With a furler, it's easy, but a standard rig can
be easy too... just use a downhaul, which is what I did on my previous
boat.

--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."