Headsail furlers can allow both reefing and furling from the safety of the cockpit and permit a shorthanded crew to manage a large boat. Added benefits to headsail furlers include use of a larger sail for light airs, no genoa or jib to store, and, depending on the cut of the sail, better visibility by reefing the sail and raising the clew.
Select the type of unit to fit the type of sailing. Manufacturers developed furlers to meet the specific needs of the cruiser, the racer, or the daysailer. For instance, ProFurl ä and Schaefer ä systems can be found primarily on cruising boats, while Harken ä may be found on numerous racing boats.
THE SYSTEM
The basic parts of a headsail roller furler include:
- Drum and drum cage, on which the furling line wraps.
- Extrusion, which envelops the headstay or is used as a headstay.
- Upper and lower swivels (dependent on manufacturer).
- Sail guide, or feeder, for inserting the sail into the extrusion slide.
- Link plate, toggle, and turnbuckle.
- Fitting for sail tack.
- Furling line.
Mainsail roller-furler parts can include all of the above, depending on the system, except the deck fitting for the sail tack and link plate.
TYPES
Manual, electric or hydraulic furlers are available for both headsails and mainsails.
- Most manual systems use ball bearings to ease the process of furling the sail, with a winch being the source of "power" on larger boats.
- Electric furlers are generally used on larger boats with large battery banks or generators.
- Hydraulic furlers, also on large vessels, with hydraulic systems already on board for winches and windlasses.
All sail reefing and furling systems operate on the principle of rolling the sail up much like a window shade. There are three main types.
- Those without foils, consisting of a lower drum and upper swivel. These are often used for gennakers, staysails, cruising spinnakers, and smaller jibs.
- Those with plastic, or composite foils that slide or snap over an existing headstay. These tend to be flexible and some are suitable only for furling, but not reefing. Often used on boats up to 30 feet or slightly larger for headsails.
- Furling/reefing systems with rigid aluminum foils that envelopes the headstay. These systems are usually pieced together out of short sections and are the most rugged for larger boats and extensive cruising.
Mainsail furlers are categorized as behind-the-mast, in-mast, and in-boom. Furling a mainsail has similar advantages to headsails, and, in addition, the main does not have to be flaked and secured with ties.
- Behind-the-mast systems are usually an adaptation of a headsail furler with custom brackets at the masthead and gooseneck.
- In-mast systems generally involve purchasing a new mast, however, several add-on kits are available that attach a housing extrusion to the aft face of an existing mast.
- In-boom mainsail furlers are the newest technology and require a new boom.
SAILS
- Existing genoas and jibs can be re-cut and a luff tape and sacrificial sun strip added. If the sail is to be reefed frequently, look for a roller-furler unit with independent tack and head swivels, which permit the sail to flatten as it reefs. By changing halyard tension and lead block position, the shape of the sail can be optimized, but this defeats the "from the safety of the cockpit" benefit of roller furling.
- Mainsail furling usually requires sail replacement as sail shape, batten pockets, patches, etc. prevent reuse of an existing sail.
- If buying a new headsail, look for a sail designed for reefing and use in a variety of sailing conditions. A reefing sail should have shaping devices, strength for wind loads, and sun protection. Choose a weight suitable for your sailing conditions and, if that varies considerably, choose a wind range from 5 to 40 knots. For stronger wind conditions, a storm jib should be hoisted.
TERMINOLOGY
- Flexible foils, without internal headstay, lack the rigidity to allow effective reefing.
- Double Swivel furlers allow the aluminum foil to rotate independently of the head and tack. In theory, this allows the luff to roll tighter, which flattens the draft.
- Split drums
can be removed from the furler, without disconnecting the forestay for quick conversion to a racing foil.
- Round extrusions
are inherently stronger and should be considered for use by cruisers.
- Airfoil extrusions
are somewhat oval in shape fore and aft, and are more efficient when the sail is completely unrolled and are used more by racers.
- Single groove
extrusions limit you to hoisting one sail at a time.
- Double groove
extrusions permit flying two sails "wing-on-wing" or for rapid sail change in varying wind conditions and racing.
INSTALLATION
The semi-skilled handyman can install headsail furlers unless swage turnbuckle fittings are required. Always use the selected systems manufacturer’s sizing guides for furlers.
Toolbox:
- Measuring tape
- Wrenches
- Wire cutters (to fit a new headstay)
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Loctite ä
- Sealant
- Pop rivet gun (if required)
- Hacksaw
- Furling line
- Stanchion blocks (recommended)
- Bosuns chair
Most Mainsail furlers should be left to a professional rigger.
View products
View product accessories
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HEADSTAY WIRE SIZE |
1/8" |
5/32" |
3/16" |
7/32" |
1/4" |
9/32" |
5/16" |
3/8" |
BOAT SIZE/
SYSTEM
LENGTH |
18-24/31' |
SCH CF-500 |
SCH CF-500 |
SCH CF-500 |
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18-24/37' |
SCH CF-500-L |
SCH CF-500-L |
SCH CF-500-L |
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20-28 35'-11" |
SCH 750-01 |
SCH 750-02 |
SCH 750-03 |
SCH 750-04 |
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27-31 43' |
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SCH 1100-01 |
SCH 1100-02 |
SCH 1100-03 |
SCH 1100-04 |
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30-42 49'-3 |
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SCH 2100-01 |
SCH 2100-02 |
SCH 2100-03 |
SCH 2100-04 |
41-55 64'-7 |
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SCH 3100-01 |
SCH 3100-02 |
19-26 29' |
HAR UNIT 00 #1102 |
HAR UNIT 00 #1102 |
HAR UNIT 00 #1102 |
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19-26 35' |
HAR UNIT 00 #1100 |
HAR UNIT 00 #1100 |
HAR UNIT 00 #1100 |
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20-26 31'-6" |
HAR UNIT 00AL #1110 |
HAR UNIT 00AL #1110 |
HAR UNIT 00AL #1110 |
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22-30 38'-4" |
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HAR UNIT 0 #815 |
HAR UNIT 0 #815 |
HAR UNIT 0 #815 |
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28-36 45'-8" |
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HAR UNIT 1 #882 |
HAR UNIT 1 #882 |
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28-38 46'-2" |
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HAR UNIT 1.5 #892 |
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35-46 60'-2" |
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HAR UNIT 2 #896 |
HAR UNIT 2 #896 |
20-30 33'-10" |
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PRO R25 |
PRO R25 |
PRO R25 |
PRO R25 |
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28-33 40'-5" |
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PRO NC32 |
PRO NC32 |
PRO NC32 |
PRO NC32 |
PRO NC32 |
PRO NC32 |
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30-39 47' |
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PRO LC32 |
PRO LC32 |
PRO LC32 |
PRO LC32 |
PRO LC32 |
PRO LC32 |
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33-55 53'-10" |
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PRO NC42 |
PRO NC42 |
PRO NC42 |
PRO NC42 |
TO 26 33' |
HOD 10000 |
HOD 10000 |
HOD 10000 |
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TO 30 40'-6" |
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HOD 705-6 |
HOD 705-6 |
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TO 30 40'-6" |
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HOD 700-6 |
HOD 700-6 |
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TO 35 48' |
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HOD 810-7 |
HOD 810-7 |
HOD 810-7 |
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TO 35 48' |
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HOD 800-7 |
HOD 800-7 |
HOD 800-7 |
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TO 45 60' |
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HOD 900-9 |
T0 36 40' |
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HOD 253-9/32 |
HOD 253-9/32 |
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TO 40 47' |
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HOD 325-5/16 |
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TO 50 53' |
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HOD 325-3/8 |
~19 21' |
CRD FF1 1/4" STUD |
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~22 28' |
CRD FF2 5/16" STUD |
CRD FF2 5/16" STUD |
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~25 33' |
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CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
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~29 39' |
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CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
CRD FF4 3/8" STUD |
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~36 47' |
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CRD FF8 1/2" STUD |
CRD FF8 1/2" STUD |
CRD FF8 1/2" STUD |
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