mikehoyt,
My 4th of July weekend was the first time of sailing with a
Harken MKIV (Unit 1)...on a J/36. I was using Tuff Luff before. With the winds in San Francisco Bay being 15+ knots on a regular basis, even flying a 70%
jib can be sporting at times. Although I don't have a proper sail for the Roller
Furler yet, I had no trouble flying a 110% headsail with confidence. When the wind picked up, I didn't have to point into the wind and scramble to the foredeck to change sails. In fact, I was able to be under sail when I might have otherwise been motoring in both ends of wind conditions...heavy and very light wind. I even tried sailing on a broad-reach under headsail alone without any problems. True, when partially reefed, the sail shape wasn't the best and I knew I was giving up some speed because of this. However, my purpose for reefing in the first place was to reduce the power of the sail. I found it easier to adjust the balance of the sails using the reefing ability as well. The MKIV gives the ability to remove the drum assembly; thereby providing dual-track headsail capability for racing. I had no jams, no halyard wraps, and absolutely no problems. I installed the MKIV myself as part of a mast refurbishment, following the directions provided by
Harken.
I'll agree with you that any boat that relies on a Roller
Furler is probably undermanned. But, I've also been on the foredeck in 14-foot seas and 35+ knots of wind trying to pull a
jib down with the deck awash and pitching. After a couple times of that, anybody would be looking for a better system.
I guess it depends on your sailing abilities, style, crew, and budget as to which system is best for you. I don't really have that much sailing experience, have trouble finding more than one crew most of the time, and can't afford to have a full compliment of headsails. A Roller
Furler seemed a good choice for my style of sailing. The MKIV also allows for converting to a racing mode, without removal of the forestay, should I choose to do so.
After one days worth of sailing experience; am I happy with the Roller
Furler?...YES! Do I sail undermanned?...YES!...A Roller
Furler helps me do so with added safety and confidence.
Just the thoughts and limited experience of a crazy man...
Skipper, J/36 "Zero Tolerance"