Does anyone have experience with the Forespar EZ Furl mainsail reefing and furling system? The system stores the main in a compact aluminum chamber fastened to the aft side of the existing mast. How well does it work? How does it look-what are the esthetics/tradeoffs?
dmetznic@ix.netcom.com
In-mast mainsail furling
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Anthony P. Jeske
Re: In-mast mainsail furling
Don:
A boat in the marina had one. It howled when the wind was from the right direction. It was very annoying. I was always concerned that something like this would jam just when you really, really need to get the mainsail down.
Good Luck,
Tony
ajeske@ixpres.com
A boat in the marina had one. It howled when the wind was from the right direction. It was very annoying. I was always concerned that something like this would jam just when you really, really need to get the mainsail down.
Good Luck,
Tony
ajeske@ixpres.com
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Carl Jones
Re: In-mast mainsail furling
Besides the mechanical concerns, one thing I have always been concerned about with these things is the way the partially furled (reefed) sail affects the center of effort ot the sail and consequently the weather helm of the boat.Don Metznik wrote: Does anyone have experience with the Forespar EZ Furl mainsail reefing and furling system? The system stores the main in a compact aluminum chamber fastened to the aft side of the existing mast. How well does it work? How does it look-what are the esthetics/tradeoffs?
It seems that rolling the sail into the boom would bring the center of effort of the sail forward more so than when the sail is slab reefed to the same area. I don't know this for sure, it is just my instinct, but this should be checked out before you buy it. Moving the center of effort to far forward could affect the boat's ability to tack and heave to.
Carl Jones
"Spanish Eyes" CD30
GreatCells@aol.com