About to buy a furler... Last minute advice?

MedSailor · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010

We've found a rigger we like, and I am finally gainfully employed so we are about to pull the trigger on a Harken cruising furl 2 installed by our local (reputable) rigger. His quote included replacing the headstay.

I was wondering if anyone had specific advice or suggestions before I give the go-ahead. Any particular way I should lead the furling line? He said he could go along the lifelines, or across the foredeck and along the cabin top (side or top of the cabin). It seems like if we go along the lifelines we end up with a trip-wire at our mid-ships boarding gate, but if we go along the cabin top we have to run the line across the foredeck once, creating a tripping hazard there.

Medsailor

knothead · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010

I would recommend that you lead the furling line along the stanchions. Pick the side that you don't usually board on.
Make sure that your rigger installs a halyard restrainer while he's up the mast if you don't already have one.
Are you converting your old sail or having a new one built? Are you going to have the rigger install the sail or do it yourself?

In my opinion, having a halyard swivel at just the right height and a properly placed halyard restrainer is critically important to having a reliable system.

MedSailor · #3 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

Thanks knothead. Yes, the halyard lead issue is critical I believe and is mostly why I don't want to attempt the install myself.

I agree along the stations is best but I do hate the "trip wire" effect it creates. I'll have to see if I can hide them under the bullwarks.

I will be buying a new sail, most likely a Rolly Taskar, but why would I need a rigger to install it? Isn't installing the sail pretty much like doing a sailchange at the dock?

MedSailor

knothead · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedSailor

Thanks knothead. Yes, the halyard lead issue is critical I believe and is mostly why I don't want to attempt the install myself.

I agree along the stations is best but I do hate the "trip wire" effect it creates. I'll have to see if I can hide them under the bullwarks.

I will be buying a new sail, most likely a Rolly Taskar, but why would I need a rigger to install it? Isn't installing the sail pretty much like doing a sailchange at the dock?

MedSailor

Only for the purpose of positioning the halyard swivel and halyard restrainer correctly.
Sometime people are just upgrading their furling system and they are planning to use the same sail(s). Other times they are converting from hank on.
I guess what I'm saying is that installing the restrainer is usually best performed when the system is installed and if you are using an old sail you want to make sure you can get tension on the luff.
If the sail has to be recut anyway, then you just have to take a luff measurement after the restrainer is installed and give it to the sailmaker.

I hope that makes sense.

MedSailor · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

I'll be having a new sail made.... so which is better chicken or egg?

ie should I order the sail and have the furler then installed or should I install the furler, then order the sail to suit?

Med

knothead · #6 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedSailor

I'll be having a new sail made.... so which is better chicken or egg?

ie should I order the sail and have the furler then installed or should I install the furler, then order the sail to suit?

Med

You should have the furler installed, the halyard swivel installed, a max hoist measurement taken and then sent on to the sailmaker who then makes your sail accordingly.

Then anybody can put it up.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

Install the furler...that way you can be sure the sail will fit it...

n0w0rries · #8 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

My furling line runs along the port side of the boat. It's not any more in the way then the jib sheet is, and it's convenient to use the same winch.

BeneteauMark · #9 (**permalink**) 02-28-2010

I'm with Knothead on this one. We board from port, and have the furler line on the stanchions as low as I could mount the blocks. Tripping hasn't been an issue. If we're away from our home slip and have to board from starboard, I just pull the line partway back.

Mark
One Step Closer
Lake St. Clair MI

bubb2 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-28-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by knothead

I would recommend that you lead the furling line along the stanchions. Pick the side that you don't usually board on.
Make sure that your rigger installs a halyard restrainer while he's up the mast if you don't already have one.
Are you converting your old sail or having a new one built? Are you going to have the rigger install the sail or do it yourself?

In my opinion, having a halyard swivel at just the right height and a properly placed halyard restrainer is critically important to having a reliable system.

This is GOOD GOOD advice. A few years back I took the mast down for the winter for the frist time in 5 years to do some maintenance. When I re-steped the mast and re-tuned it, I got nothing but halyard wraps on my furler. I know, I had to be real close to the "tune" that had worked flawless for 5 years, but it was not working then. After playing with the rig for days, a little adjustment here and a little there, The halyard was still wrapping. A halyard restrainer was the answer, no problems for the last 3 years.