Bamar roller reefing and Sail Care

[Tom Wootton]

(Similar message posted on Hunter Smaller Boats Forum)I spent quite a while at the SailCare booth at Strictly Sail Miami last weekend; very helpful and knowledgeable people. I'm interested in other's experience with this company, including their sail repair/cleaning/modification, and with the Bamar brand of roller reefing gear that they sell. Anyone else using Bamar? It has some interesting features: the drum can be allowed to slide up, revealing the turnbuckle. The system doesn't require shortening the headstay; the bracket and turnbuckle are fastened together to the chainplate. Also, I'm trying to decide whether to convert my current (110%, I think) hank-on jib to roller reefing, or go with a larger genoa. I don't have a problem with the light air performance of my (Hunter 26) boat, and I suspect that the larger headsail isn't a good idea with a water-ballast boat. any thoughts?

 

[Steve Winkle]

Clean as new

Tom,A few years ago when my mainsail of our H30T was about 8 years old, I sent it off to SailCare for cleaning and repair as necessary. When it came back I thought they had made a mistake and sent me a new main!! I was very happy. Not only was is clean, it had its "life" back with the sizing they infuse into it. The repairs were minor - mostly cosmetic, but I'm glad they did them. I won't hesitate to use them when my new boat's main starts to show signs of wear.Fair winds,Steve