[ledskof]

Leisure Furl ® uses high modulus PVC luff track

[garrett]

The aft drive mandrel uses the nylon composite bearings similar to those used in the construction of big boat high load blocks. The forward universal allows complete freedom of rotation under the highest loads.

[trangcotich]

President Inter-Pacific Asset Management here

[BillyBobBob]

Schaefer makes the podium at 2nd place, living up to their reputation for being robust and high quality. This boom is rock solid. It is made of high quality machined and extruded aluminum with a deep anodized finish. The Schaefer system lacks only in four departments: looks (no taper and just plain big), a loosely mounted behind-the-mast main sail track (must be noisy and is not attractive), the vang is a fixed length rod, and lastly Schaefer utilizes a furling drum that is mounted at the very outboard end of the boom; not an ideal place for added weight especially when considering the already big size of this boom. This can make gybing an already heavy boom even more interesting, especially if it is accidental. Although I am not in love the with their behind the mast track, it does seem to offer very good off the wind hoisting and furling due to the hinged design of the track. Schaefer’s proprietary vang is mandatory. The vang is really more of a strut as it is set at a fixed length. Although this guarantees an optimal boom height for furling and hoisting at all times, it restricts the users sail trim options. here

[mike_la_jolla]

To wrap things up (pun intended)… [links]

[endian]

Forespar, who have been building masts for many years, and is one of the most respected names in the industry, has developed and tested a custom made kit for converting in-mast furling masts, to conventional masts. The long and the short of it is, they have a specially designed tool which bends aluminum plates to the exact shape of your mast section. These plates are then installed so that the two mast walls, port and starboard, are tied together and the long slot that once served as the entrance for the sail housing is eliminated. Once this is installed the existing mast can be used to facilitate the Leisure Furl In-Boom Furling System. Want to know more? Please ask our experienced sales staff about details and pricing. [links]

[Valerius]

The companies mentioned below only offer carbon fiber (even possibly only powered drive units). Here is a list of all of the ones that we know of, that we did not discuss, but are worth checking out:

[donaldmoreg]

This leads us to the winner………the Forespar Leisure Furl System. This system has been around a long time. LF has had many years of R & D which usually means they have worked out most of the kinks. Leisure Furls are available in many sizes, configurations, and finishes: anodized, painted, as well as carbon fiber. There are also two smaller, entry level, models called the Leisure Furl Coastal and the ALL NEW LF Coastal Plus; which focus more on the small to medium size boat market. Here are some of the big pluses of the LF system: [links]

[stracer01]

Cost is another important issue. In-mast systems are the most expensive option when either building a new boat or retro-fitting an existing non-furling rig, since the latter requires a completely new mast section and standing rigging. When retrofitting an existing slab reefing rig, one can usually modify the mast to accept an in-boom system and only need to replace the boom and mainsail itself. here

[lancommy101]

In summary, the question of “What is best?” is not so easily answered and depends in part on a balance of performance, ease of handling, cost and function, as well as cockpit design and layout. [links]

[unsolicited]

However, an in-mast system has a significant advantage when reefing in or rolling away, as one simply needs to keep light tension on the outhaul line without needing to be directly head to wind. In contrast, an in-boom system requires a precise angle of the boom to avoid the sail creeping forward or back when furling; halyard tension must be monitored closely, and the sail must be furled or reefed with no wind in the sail whatsoever. [links]

[venom]

Perhaps “performance” should be redefined to include not just speed, but also ease of handling.

[neofutur]

Lastly, ease-of-use is a key issue for almost any prospective owner to consider. A non-furling mainsail has its limitations and improvements as noted above. What is most common today is the debate between in-boom versus in-mast systems. In-boom systems are relatively easier to deploy, as one simply raises the main halyard with some light tension on the furling line or with synchronized power unfurling to closely match halyard speed (hopefully electric!). In-mast systems require a little more attention when deploying initially, as one needs to keep tension on the outhaul when rolling out the first 10-20% of the sail, in order to avoid bunching up within the mast cavity — a situation that can easily be rectified by reversing the process. [links]

[happyrock]

Facnor LS180 Furler, cosmetic wear and tear. more

[Guybrush01]

SHEAVE 3″ X 5/8″ ALUMINUM $20.00 Make 50% Deposit SKU: 11785

[TTBit]

Brand New flatdeck furler, furler only. Includes webbing and furling line.

[BillyBobBob]

Facnor single line zero furler, 5/8 pin, in excellent condition.