In article ,
Dave wrote:
On Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:15:46 GMT, said:

His comment after one season is that he could use a downhaul to get the main
down. The main does not come down as easy and flaking as advised.
It could be that the Dutchman system is not properly installed or fully
tuned up yet. Nonetheless, it gave me food for thought.

My one experience with the system was on one of Martin's boats last winter.
It worked very much as advertised. Let out the halyard, and the sail neatly
flaked itself on top of the mast. No hassle--just put on the sail cover.

Of course, if it flakes itself on top of the mast, you'll be having
other problems. g

Obviously, if the sail would otherwise not drop easily when you let out the
halyard, the Dutchman system isn't going to help. You're dealing with a
separate issue.

Sure thing.

My one hesitation about the system is that it's said not to work as well
when the sail gets older.

Actually, I don't think that's the case. The old sail will retain it's
memory, even when ragged. I think the biggest downside to the system
is that you have to modify the new main.

The "fishing line" used to channel the sail does get worn, and it
needs to be replaced every few years, but it's cheap and easy to
do. There is an issue of getting dirt marks on the sail from water
running down the line, but so far has been minimal for me.


--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com