On 2008-08-13 13:35:59 -0400, Ryk said:

On Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:16:33 GMT, in message
2008080922163375249-jerelull@maccom
Jere Lull wrote:

On 2008-08-09 09:34:28 -0400, Gogarty said:

I also have a Harken. Came with the boat, which is now 27 years old.
Works very well most of the time except when the wind gets over 20 and
you can't blanket it behind the main. Even a flogging jib at that wind
speed is a heavy load.

Try working on straightening the lead of the furling line. It's amazing
how much drag an extra block or too-wide angle can add.

Also take care to control the furling line on the roll-out -- it will
feed into the drum much more neatly with a little tension and be much
easier to roll up later.

That's a subject I intentionally left out. Since I use a small spare
winch as my snubber, it's easy to use it to control furling line line
tension. It's so lovely to watch the furling line wind up and down the
drum tightly as the sail pulls itself out.

Oh, GAWD, what a mess I've seen when the furling line randomly wound
up. Couldn't let the sail fully out as the line filled up the available
space too quickly. When hauling in, the line slipped under previous
wraps, making it impossible to furl the sail again.

I doubt anyone will make that particular mistake twice. It can make for
an entirely too-busy afternoon.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-à-Deux -- Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD
Xan's pages: http://web.mac.com/jerelull/iWeb/Xan/
Our BVI trips & tips: http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/