converting to roller furling

[bornagainsailor]

I'm thinking of adding jib roller furling. my present genoa is in good condition. can I use this genoa in roller furling conversion? what about the snap hooks. all advice welcomed.
thanks,
UG

[sailingdog]

Yes, you can often get it converted by having a sail loft modify the luff and remove the hanks.

[centaursailor]

May not take that much to convert the sail tho it may be too low when the furler drum is fitted. Fitting the furler to the fore stay might be the bigger problem. The fore stay would need to be shortened to allow for the drum. On mine the revolving luff slides come in 2 meter pieces and are easily assembled on to the forestay tho it is nylon clad wire.
Happy reefing.

[sailingdog]

Most forestays don't need to be shortened, but it is often wise to replace the forestay when installing roller furling equipment for the first time, especially if the rigging is more than a few years old.

[centaursailor]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

but it is often wise to replace the forestay when installing roller furling equipment for the first time, especially if the rigging is more than a few years old.

Amen to that.
Safe sailing

[chrisncate]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Most forestays don't need to be shortened, but it is often wise to replace the forestay when installing roller furling equipment for the first time, especially if the rigging is more than a few years old.

What are your thoughts on the other way around (removing a furler to go hank up)?

[nemier]

chrisncate,
I'm with you! (please don't tell anybody).

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by chrisncate

What are your thoughts on the other way around (removing a furler to go hank up)?

Unless you're about to buy new head sails, I would recommend not doing this. Roller furling sails can be converted to use hanks, but I wouldn't do it. They have to have a different cut, because of the foil and the fact that they are roller furled, and have a shorter luff as well.

I know several people who have done so, but there are a lot of advantages to having a roller furling/reefing system aboard. For instance, within limits, you can reef the headsail without going forward or having to change sails. You can also furl the sail from the safety of the cockpit. You also have to have a larger selection of sails to deal with the changes in wind strength.

Unless you are racing, I would generally recommend sticking with a good roller furler/reefing setup for safety and convenience.

[chrisncate]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Unless you're about to buy new head sails, I would recommend not doing this. Roller furling sails can be converted to use hanks, but I wouldn't do it. They have to have a different cut, because of the foil and the fact that they are roller furled, and have a shorter luff as well.

I know several people who have done so, but there are a lot of advantages to having a roller furling/reefing system aboard. For instance, within limits, you can reef the headsail without going forward or having to change sails. You can also furl the sail from the safety of the cockpit. You also have to have a larger selection of sails to deal with the changes in wind strength.

Unless you are racing, I would generally recommend sticking with a good roller furler/reefing setup for safety and convenience.

Uh, well....

...I already ditched the furler at the end of last season, and I did buy a complete suit of sails already... what I meant was replacing the headstay AFTER removing the furler and foil..

I simply removed mine and called it a day. What I meant by my question was: does it go both ways, your recommendation to replace the front wire?

(*you could not pay me to have a furler ever again, btw - and I never race, I am a cruiser only..)

[sailingdog]

Depends on how old the headstay is....

Originally Posted by chrisncate

Uh, well....

...I already ditched the furler at the end of last season, and I did buy a complete suit of sails already... what I meant was replacing the headstay AFTER removing the furler and foil..

I simply removed mine and called it a day. What I meant by my question was: does it go both ways, your recommendation to replace the front wire?

(*you could not pay me to have a furler ever again, btw - and I never race, I am a cruiser only..)