furling systems

justified · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

I have been considering installing a head sail furling/reefing. I currently have hanked on sails, is there a way to do this without having the sail reconfigured with a luff tape, and with out buying new sails. I probably already know the answer but thought I would ask any way.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

NO. No luff tape, no foil attachment...no furler.... going the other way is possible, but not from hanked on to roller furler

knothead · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by justified

I have been considering installing a head sail furling/reefing. I currently have hanked on sails, is there a way to do this without having the sail reconfigured with a luff tape, and with out buying new sails. I probably already know the answer but thought I would ask any way.

There is or at least used to be a furling system made by a company in California call "Super Furl" which supplied little slides made to fit in their luff groove.
The owner would remove the hank and sew the little slides on using supplied webbing. Actually, I think they supply the waxed twine too.
I don't know if they are still in business but it wasn't a bad system. (personal experience)
I would still recommend that you have a sailmaker sew on the sun protection along the foot and leech if you plan to leave the sail up for any length of time.

justified · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

Thankyou Knothead I'm looking into it. They are still in business, found web site no problem,

Maine Sail · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by justified

I have been considering installing a head sail furling/reefing. I currently have hanked on sails, is there a way to do this without having the sail reconfigured with a luff tape, and with out buying new sails. I probably already know the answer but thought I would ask any way.

Why so resistant to remove the hanks? A good loft will include the luff tape conversion in the quote or if you do it yourself they don't charge that much to convert an old sail. I think I paid about $100.00 to have the sail on my old C-30 done. $100.00 is about 5% of the cost of the furler..

As always MORE info about the boat helps us better answer your questions! For all we know you have a 12 footer or a 70 footer or anywhere in between..

sailingfool · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008

In addition to the tuff tape, you need to add a UV shield and as pennant of the sail is not full hoist. You end up with a sail you can furl, but not one what you should reef. Tape, pennant and UV shield for a 125% for a 36' boat would run about $500, which represents a very good downpayment on a new sail that can be reefed.