I am interested in mainsail furling. The cost of boom reefing is very
high... 10,000 US $ for my Corbin 39. The only other option, that I know
of it behind the mast furling. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I sail lake champlain in NY.

Guy

On Sat, 3 Sep 2005 21:05:18 -0400, "Guy Viger"
wrote:

I am interested in mainsail furling. The cost of boom reefing is very
high... 10,000 US $ for my Corbin 39. The only other option, that I know
of it behind the mast furling. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I sail lake champlain in NY.

Consider forgetting mainsail furling altogether. It seems easy but its
a pain in my experience, plus the weight is up high when you don't
want it to be and upwind performance suffers when reefed down - just
when you don't want it to be.

My comments are based on sailing a Bavaria 36 in the Gulf of Lyons
Once reefed the boat would only make 60 or so degrees off the wind
(compared with 45 degrees normally and 35-40 degrees on a Bavaria with
fully battened main and slab reefing). This is due to no roach and no
battens in the sail = no sail shape and reduced sail area.

You'd be better of with a standard main, lazy jacks and a stack pack
if you are short handed. The sail drops and reefing are far easier
once you get it sorted and there's reduced chance of it jamming.

That's my two penny worth as we say over here.

You're looking at making a lot of trouble for yourself. None of that
easy stuff works out to be easy. Lazy jacks are easy and if you get the
system that uses the sail cover to help catch the sail you're golden.

I have used it all as a captain and the only thing I like are lazy
jacks - and not the type with the lines IN the sails. I only like
systems that catch the sail with lines along side it.

What looks good in pictures is often just pictures, really!

Guy,

I use Lazy Jacks on a full batten main which is free footed. I'm very,
very happy with it. I can draw my jacks into the goose neck or deploy
them loosely as the wing picks up.

I can use a nice roach and the full battens on the main to give me
great sail shape,

With the free footed sail, Reefing is easy and the use of Cunningham
and Flattening reef is available.

I used a single line reefing for awhile but I prefer dropping the sail
enough in the jacks to set the clew & Tack reef points and re-hoisting
from the mast.




http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomsPage

http://community.webtv.net/tassail/Pneuma

I sailed a couple boats (Pearson 365 and 424) 20+ years ago with the Hood
Stoway in-mast furling. It was convenient, but not very efficient for sail
shape. Also, the mast slot caused an ungodly howl when the wind piped up at
anchor.

I suspect newer in-mast furling systems are better, but I'd still opt for
boom furling (allows battens -- even full-length) instead of mast furling,
given a choice. Depending on your needs, lazyjacks, Dutchman, or similar
may be better yet...


"Thom Stewart" wrote...
Guy,

I use Lazy Jacks on a full batten main which is free footed. I'm very,
very happy with it. I can draw my jacks into the goose neck or deploy
them loosely as the wing picks up.

I can use a nice roach and the full battens on the main to give me
great sail shape,

With the free footed sail, Reefing is easy and the use of Cunningham
and Flattening reef is available.

I used a single line reefing for awhile but I prefer dropping the sail
enough in the jacks to set the clew & Tack reef points and re-hoisting
from the mast.

John;

Know what you mean about grounding a wing!!! I have found some things
that do help. A wing won't bury itself as deep as a plain fin. This
usually bring the boat upa little more level. If you get the sais down
and the engine started ( Hopefully) you can turn about (The way you came
in) This usually does bring the boat back to a level attitude. With luck
you aren't buried to deep and rocking the boat fore and aft lets you
creep back out!

It has worked for me a couple of times BUT its' scares the **** out of
me. DON"T BURY A WHEEL KEEL!!.




http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomsPage

http://community.webtv.net/tassail/Pneuma

... for those considering lazy jacks or the Mack Pack for mainsail handling, you may want to seriously consider a mainsail track system of any type. Take a look at Ronstan, Tides Marine's Strong Track, Antal, Frederiksen and Harken. For the Main Furling systems, check out Forespar's Leisurefurl, Schaefer's Furling Boom and Selden's behind the Main Furler.

I hope that tossing those names out may help you find some stuff on the internet. If you want more specific information just give me a shout...