In-mast furling

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by alpatn@gmail.com

Having sailed both systems in mast & slab for 1000's of offshore miles on boats form 40 to 85ft. I've only had 1 furling issue and when I reviewed the problem it was do to inproper out haul tension. The older I get the more I appreciate in mast furling. I have had a # of clients ask or want to change systems when they are buying boats. I always answer if they buy a boat with in mast to sail it at least a year before changing. In mast is easier to use so mains will be used more & reefed easier. The 1 thing I found on boats that sail with the main reefed for long period that the sails wear out because there are no reinforcement patches at reef points. I did have a torn sail at a point were a charter captian always reefed @ the same place. This can be avoided by altering reefing locations. You also sacrifice windward performance with in mast. The only ones I've seen converted had been very custom boats that owners became more & more intrested in speed after a couple of burmuda races. So if your crusing go with a in mast if your a racer or performance crazed go with the slab. Finnaly recently priced a change on a 47ft cruiser from furling to slab in carbon fiber. It was right @ 100K complete. A aluminum section would probably be 40k less. So make your choice and get what fits your style in the first place.

Good post. My experience exactly.

Brian

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by tdw

My only problem with in mast furling has been controlling the outhaul as you release it to reef or furl. Takes practice particularly if you are doing it single handed.

My outhaul is on the port clutch, my reef to the stbd. Ever tried wrapping the winch backwards? Just a half turn or maybe one turn. Give it a shot. If not, head up enough to control the reef (or buy a c400... snicker). Biggest issue is when you head up too much and the clew "yanks" in the wind up and down the boom track. At that point, ease off and head up again. That's what works for us anyways.

Brian

[MedSailor]

Originally Posted by tdw

David,

I found a TideSlide but they seem to only do mooring systems.

TideSlide Mooring Systems Retail & Commercial Apps +1.989.695.2646 www.TideSlide.com

Than a mob called Versatech do a product called Tide Slide but that is an oil containment boom.

rgds

Andrew B

Or it might be "Tides Marine" the makers of the famous (and lusted after by yours truly) strongtrack(TM).

https://www.tidesmarine.com/?page_id=61

By the way, if you haven't seen strongtrack in action, you might just want to install that instead of a furling mast. It's so slippery that it makes Teflon look like sandpaper. Uncleat the halyard and the sail DROPS suddenly in a heap into your stackpack or lazyjacks.

I've seen it in use by a catamaran that did afternoon sails for tourists. The singlehanding captain furled the headesail, then walked up to the mast, uncleated the halyard and within 2 seconds the sail had plopped down into the stackpack. Here is their video: https://www.tidesmarine.com/?page_id=1276 Truely awesome....

Enough about Strong Track though, the company produces other stuff and they might be the ones that make what you're after.

[tdw]

Med,
I've seen that system, or one very similar before. Was about ready to use it on old girl but changed rides first, Looks marvellous quite frankly.

The problem with fitting to a one time furling mast is the slot in the mast. In reality this has to be sealed up first.

I reckon that a new mast is either unavoidable or at least desirable.

Hey CD .... nice idea. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

[SimonV]

Originally Posted by sailortrash

Lack of maintaining being the primary cause. Every time this happened The boat had been sitting for over 3 years with no use and during a squall (over 60 knots) . That plus my bad luck which i seem to have a knack for attracting. Live and learn I guess these days if a in mas furler has not been used in oiver 3 years on it being completely serviced by someone better experienced than me or I will walk away.

Please tell us how you cut the sail away during the squall, we may be in that position soon and some detail would be helpful.

[worldcruiser63]

HOOD SAILS make a full vertical battened main sail with roach for in mast furling systems round vertical linked carbon and vinylester resin full length battens, which are linked together with varying stiffness, designed especially for the furling function. The benefit extends to the maintained boat speed through improved aerodynamics and more controllable sail shape through reefing. This furling mainsail will point higher and perform with increased boat speed off wind and provide an improved reefing technique. The additional sail area on the roach makes the mainsail up to 20% larger than a hollow leech in-mast furling mainsail, thereby negating the majority of the cons listed in these posts ... for me personally in mast furling mains are the best option, their ease of operation in heavy sea's is a godsend especially for fifty yo sailors like myself

[Sea Dawg]

You don't see these often so I'm posting this for those looking. No affiliation, just looked like one of you would be interested.

Furling mast beneteau 361 with rigging - $995 (norfolk craigslist)
<http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/35...8.html]Furling mast beneteau 361 with rigging>