Roller furling

[Don Metznik]

I have a '78 CD27 and am curious as to what goes into looking for a quality furling system. I have the self-tending jib and would like to remove it so I can have more room to manuever up front. Would it be possible to use my current 150 genoa and have it installed on roller-furling, or does that require a specially designed sail? Also, what are the going prices for these systems, preferrably a Hood, or Harken product?

Thanks

Don Metznik
"The Captain"
CD 27 #71



donald.metznik@mail.trincoll.edu

[chuck yahrling]

I have a '78 CD27 and am curious as to what goes into looking for a quality furling system. I have the self-tending jib and would like to remove it so I can have more room to manuever up front. Would it be possible to use my current 150 genoa and have it installed on roller-furling, or does that require a specially designed sail? Also, what are the going prices for these systems, preferrably a Hood, or Harken product?

Thanks

Don Metznik
"The Captain"
CD 27 #71

Check out the roller furling articles on the Harken web page at http://paw.com/sail/harken/. They have a few tutorials that ought to get
you oriented. Generally, you want a sail that has been cut for use with a furler, otherwise the shape gets very inefficient when partially
furled (reefed). Also, you need to do some luff tape mods to make the sail work with the furler's foil. These may not be cost effective if
your genny has passed it's "half-life."

Practical sailor just published a nice review of leading furlers; can you borrow a copy? FWIW, I've been looking at furlers for my "new"
CD27 and have concluded that to go first class I'm looking at $1200-$1400 for the Harken system, installed, plus a new genny. My
local sailmaker said I ought to hold off 'till I'm ready for new headsails. (2-3 yrs.)



yahrling@cybertours.com

[Neil Gordon]

Don,

I have a "Flexible Furler" by Cruising Design on my CD28. Works great and is a lot less expensive than other furlers.

The existing genoa will need to be modified to remove the hanks and install a blot rope or wire luff, depending on the furling system. Not a big deal, just something your sailmaker will have to take care of for you.

Neil
s/v Sanderling
CD28 #167