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.