Roller furling rigs

[Messing About]

I don’t even know the questions I should be asking.
We have a Victoria 18 (for northern michigan inland lake sailing) and are considering a roller furling thingy… because we’re getting too old and wobbly to change sails in big(ish) winds.
What do I need to know about roller furlers? Our 130 genoa has clips that attach to the forestay. Would I have to get a whole new sail?
Thanks for any education you can give me.

 

[kappykaplan]

Your local sail loft should be able to convert your hank-on foresail to one with a luff tape once you've identified a roller furler for your boat. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Messing About]

Thanks for your speedy reply! You’ve answered an important question about sail type.
We live in power-boat country and don’t I haven’t found a local marina that knows anything. Of course, they’re mostly shut down now, so I may have to be patient and wait til spring.

 

[dlochner]

Mullet Lake is certainly way up there!

For a smaller boats, such as yours, a CDI furler may be the a good choice. Given the dearth of sailmakers and sailers in your area this may be a DIY project, but one within the capabilities of most reasonably handy folks. I've installed a couple of them. Harken, Schaeffer, and Hood are other popular brands.

To further educate yourself go online to Defender.com and WestMarine.com to see what they offer. Then go to the furler company's website and download the installation manuals. That will give you a good idea of the projects scope.

If your headsail is in decent shape a loft can remove the hanks and install as luff tape. If the sail is old put the money into a new sail, you'll enjoy the performance boost. I'd look for a smaller local loft rather than a big brand like North, Doyle, etc. Maybe some of the Michiganders here can offer suggestions. Unless you are will to travel, online ordering and mailing the sails will probably be your only option.

Good Luck!

Cruising Design International

Headsail and mainsail furling systems for boats up to 40'. CDI has been providing furling systems to the sailing industry for over 40 years.

www.sailcdi.com

 

[Messing About]

Very helpful - thank you!!

 

[dlochner]

@kappykaplan and I both forgot to mention adding UV protection to the sail's foot and leech. This is usually a strip of Sunbrella sewn to the edge of the sail on the side that will be exposed when rolled up. This plus changing the luff may make buying a new sail a better choice.

 

[Messing About]

Ah, the plot thickens! Again, thank you for your help.

 

[dlochner]

Ah, the plot thickens! Again, thank you for your help.

And thus is the story of boat upgrades, project creep, while you're at this project you might as well...

 

[kappykaplan]

@kappykaplan and I both forgot to mention adding UV protection to the sail's foot and leech.

 

[JBP-PA]

Furlers tends to be expensive but if you are on a tight budget you can find them used either at a chandlery that had used stuff or from individuals online. Last year I asked on the usual forums and someone had just removed the furler I needed parts for.

Note that some of the least expensive furlers do not allow you to partially reef your headsail because they aren't strong enough to handle the torque.

 

[rgranger]

And thus is the story of boat upgrades, project creep, while you're at this project you might as well...

... upgrade the chain plate and add an anchor roller.

Now that you have an anchor roller... you need a new anchor...
Now that you have a new anchor.... you need a windlass... which means an upgrade to the electric system... plus solar panels and a wind generator... Now my boat is too small .... I need a bigger boat.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I think I'd skip the UV protection. Either one of 2 things will happen ....

• UV degradation that far north is so small, nothing will happen to your sail
• I'm wrong about UV degradation and you will need to replace your old sail that much quicker, which is a good thing, no?

I'd save my money on the old sail and put UV protection on the new sail.

By all means, get a furler appropriate for the boat ... it would probably be a CDI, Schaefer Snapfurl or something similar. It will make life a lot easier on the water. In reality, you will be much happier getting a new sail with the furler. It will be sized properly, it will have all the right features and it will last much longer. I think a retrofit of your existing sail will have a complication of limitations, compromises and expense. Don't bother unless you are extremely budget-conscious. A new sail will give you much more enjoyment.