narisseproe
26.04.2021 5:24:12
I used to take consolation in the knowledge that by sticking with classic, hanked on headsails:
See full version: The $tingy Sailor
I used to take consolation in the knowledge that by sticking with classic, hanked on headsails:
Because it remains hoisted most of the time, sacrificial canvas strips are usually sewn along the leach and foot to protect the sailcloth from UV light damage when the sail is furled. They’re considered sacrificial because as they become damaged by UV rays, they can be removed and replaced with new strips. here
Before and after racing season, I attach the cruising furler and use it with either my Dacron 150 genoa or 110 jib, whichever is appropriate for the conditions. At the end of the day, I either unsnap the sail and stow it below deck or I leave the headsail hoisted. If left hoisted, I protect it from damaging UV rays with a DIY jib sock rather than add expensive, heavy sacrificial strips to all my Dacron headsails.
Furlboom
One of the secrets of this furler is the way it’s built. “We have gusseted corners that make our entire extrusion structural,” says Dougal Johnson at YSA. “That lets us build a lighter, smaller boom that is still more than strong enough to do the job.” [links]
The John Mast reefer is an older design, and the company has yet to establish an aggressive sales presence in North America. Its unit for a maximum P (mainsail hoist) of 42 feet is $6,850. This includes a boom vang, but not a sail.
Though they share the same basic idea, the five systems are significantly different. So are the companies that produce them. Leisure Furl has been around since the early ’90s, and its track record and testimonials are impressive. Schaefer Marine, a well-established hardware company, on the other hand offers a new system born of three years of design and development, but without much time in service. ProFurl engaged in extensive aerodynamic testing and material analysis before introducing a boom-furler just over three years ago. The big French company with dealers in 52 countries has since been energetic in promoting boom-furling to both the general public and among sailmakers.
Schaefer and John Mast have relatively narrow openings in the top of their booms, but among the others there’s a trend toward open-topped extrusions.
The advantages of in-boom furling that prompted Hood’s “noble experiment” have not disappeared with Stoboom. Compared with in-mast furling, the boom-based systems weigh less and keep weight lower. Probably the most significant selling point of a sail that lives in the boom, however, is its shape. In-mast furlers require roachless, high-aspect triangles, thus reducing mainsail area, distorting ideal shape, and lessening draft control. We’ve talked with sailmakers, and most peg the overall performance loss that you’ll pay for the convenience of in-mast furling at 20% or worse. With a boom-furling system you can assure yourself of a powerful modern sailplan with plenty of roach, with the additional bonus of being able to use full-length battens to help control sail shape and reduce flogging.
With the John Mast and the other in-boom reefers it’s best to reef down to a full-length batten, which can then help support the foot of the sail. Being incompressible, it acts like an outhaul to keep the cloth stretched well aft. “Infinite” reefing between battens is discouraged. here
Sail Track
Entire system articulates on the same axis, for easy hoisting, reefing and stowing at any apparent wind angle. [links]
Boom Ends
Open-view boom ends allow visual inspection of all internal parts for confidence while reefing and furling.
It is the most advanced solution for mainsail reefing and furling. The unique Sail Track and feeder combine to precisely transfer any full battened main to the mandrel located within the boom – without snags or jams – and with battens perfectly aligned.
Schaefer Marine’s Boom Furling System is the result of years of research, design and sailing. Proven over thousands of miles of use, our unique Patented Articulating Sail Track enables you to reef or furl on any point of sail all from the safety of the cockpit.
For years, Schaefer Marine has been a leader in headsail furling and reefing systems. Now we bring the same levels of quality and engineering to a new boom furler that finally solves the problems of reefing, lowering and safely stowing the main – even modern, full-batten, high-roach sails built for performance.
Batten and Receptacle
Schaefer batten end receptacle and sail luff tape are supported by Schaefer’s sailtrack, absorbing batten compression loads and reducing sail chafe. here
Bob Lye, Hanse 370 ‘Viva La Vita’: here
Robert Orr, Service Manager Windcraft says, ‘shaping a sail with an in-boom furler is superior than with an in-mast furler. There have been great strides in sail design and batten construction in the last 10 years. Sail makers are now producing sails for in-boom with almost the equivalent performance of a traditional sail’. more
Once you decide on a furling boom, Windcraft Service coordinates rig specifications and logistics (freight, customs clearance and berthing requirements for installation) with the boom supplier, rigger and relevant sail maker. [links]
Rob says, ‘an in-boom furler looks a lot neater. Having the sail rolled inside the boom and not flaked into a canvas bag makes a big difference to the aesthetics of any yacht, especially when it’s a wet day – no soggy sail cover, just a nice tidy boom. And no more cheeky swallows making a cosy nest’. more
It can be tricky to learn how to use all the features of an in-boom furling system but there are people to show you the ropes.