Furler install question

shadypark · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

Are all furlers installed on the headstay? I would swear that i saw on attached to a jib halyard. Is that likely or does that even make sense?
thanks as always!

JohnRPollard · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

It depends. On larger boats the furler is usually installed around a headstay.

On some smaller boats the furlers can be attached at the tack and head of the sail, and there is no stay to speak of.

Our boat has a genoa furler with the foil extrusion and furling hardware clamped around the headstay wire. We also have a staysail with the furling hardware attached to the sail.

Our old Melges 24 had the furling hardware attached to the jib, as does our 11.5 sailing pram.

mitiempo · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

Profurl makes a series of furlers (EC series) that is designed to be used with light sails and is set flying - not attached to forestay. They are available for boats to 130'.

dgr · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

I think Schaefer also has one that uses the luff wire of the sail. They call it their Free-Furling or Free Flying system.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

Wireluff furlers, like the one you saw—that do not use a foil over the headstay, are FURLERS ONLY. They can not be used for reefing the sail as a general rule and are generally used for light air sails only.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadypark

Are all furlers installed on the headstay? I would swear that i saw on attached to a jib halyard. Is that likely or does that even make sense?
thanks as always!

CaptKermie · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

My Jib Halyard is connected to the top part of my furler and when there is no sail on the furler the top piece is shackled to the furler so it may appear that the furler is attached to the jib halyard. I have a Schaefer Snapfurl CF700 that has a swivel piece that connects to the head of the sail and I use the the jib halyard to pull the luff of the sail up the foil to hoist the sail then furl it. I can easily switch from jib to genoa this way and do not have to leave a headsail on the furler full time. I can choose the sail I want for the day and hoist it then furl it. I could easily see how someone might think the furler is connected to the halyard when there is no sail on the furler because the halyard is connected to the swivel and then the swivel shackled to the the drum so that I can pull the halyard real tight so that it does not flap in the wind and slap the mast.