Conversion from In-Mast furling to Lazy-Jacks system possible?

freeheel999 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006

Is this possible?

I'm looking at converting a conventional in-mast furling system on a 50ft Beneteau to a lazy-jacks system/battened main.

Does anyone have any practical experience of doing this, or know of anyone who has done a conversion?

I believe that special extrusions are available which insert into the existing mast slot and (after being fixed in position) provide a new external track which will allow for the conversion to the lazy-jack sliding cars...is this possible to do?

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006

It may be possible but there's a lot of hardware involved with the in-mast furling that you needn't pack around afterwards - you'd be better off with a mast designed for conventional hoisting.

Converting the existing mast will mean extra unneccessary weight aloft.

Maybe you can find someone without in-mast furling that wants it and swap rigs!

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006

I agree, if you want lazy jacks and slab reefing...get a different mast... the reduced weight aloft will mean the boat will sail better.

Giulietta · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006

And if you sell your actual mast and sail, it actually helps paying for the new mast, too.

A lot of people would like to have those on their boats. Post it for sale, who knows??

freeheel999 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006

Cheers for the replies...and I hear you on the concept of replacing the mast - however this isn't necessarily a cheap or convenient option for me right now.

The question remains...does anyone know of a system or extrusion by any of the major suppliers of hardware that would adapt the existing slot and convert to using a new 'car' system?
ie Harken have a system called 'Battcar' which involves using specially shapped extrusion 'slugs' in the existing mast slot (admittedly of a conventional bolt-rope slot) which are tightened and held fast (glued also) when the external track is attached. External 'cars' are attached to the track and voila...you have a new system! Wondering if this system would work?

PBzeer · #6 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006

You could look into StrongTrack. It's an extrusion that fits your mast slot and employs stainless steel slides. Standing at the mast, I can raise my main by hand, and from the cockpit, only need to winch the last few inches. Ran me $860 for 34'. The advantage to me, over "battcar" systems is there are no bearings involved. It could be a short term fix, but as others have said, you really should swap out the mast.

Regards,

captlar · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006

I'm no help, freeheal999, but curious as to why the change. No interest in finding a higher quality in-mast furling system or just hate the whole deal ?
For my 10 cents, I've had both LazyJacks and Dutchman, and had the new main built with new Dutchman. Slick as a smelt.
Good luck !

Larry

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006

PBzeer-

The strongtrack system won't address the extra mass caused by having the unused in-mast furling system on the boat.

PBzeer · #9 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006

I know SD, that was the purpose of the last sentance.

freeheel999 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by captlar

I'm no help, freeheal999, but curious as to why the change. No interest in finding a higher quality in-mast furling system or just hate the whole deal ?
For my 10 cents, I've had both LazyJacks and Dutchman, and had the new main built with new Dutchman. Slick as a smelt.
Good luck !

Larry

No...bought the boat with in-mast and have always sailed boats with battened mains. For me it's totally a performance thing despite the extra hassle. I sailed a similar boat recently with a new lazy-jack system and fully-battened main and it performed so much better....