Bow Roller

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

Barney Gibbs

I read a post some time ago that gave reference to a web site that made bow rollers out of ss tubing. Custom made to fit any model boat. Does anybody know of such site? I have a Hunter 33.5 with in deck roller furling. There's not space to put an off the shelf anchor roller on the deck.
 
J

Jeff

Here Is Our Set-Up

We have a 1993 H33.5. It came from Hunter this way. The picture shows the anchor stowed for the winter. Normally it sits in the roller. Jeff
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Jeff do you know the reason for putting the drum

below deck level? They looked kinda neat when they first were produced, but, why? I would think that sail area can't be the reason. The headstay has to move rearward so the luff loses the area gained closer to the deck. It can't be simpler to produce, what with the extra deck hole for the headstay/foil and the complication of leading the furling line rearward under the deck and having it then made available to the crew in the cockpit. All of that doesn't even take into account the reason this tread is running, The messed up anchor roller/system. I don't get it. Mayby I'm old school,,, P.S. I see what looks like an exit block on your deck, but again, why?
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Any chance you could do something like this?

It was a pretty straight forward installation.
 

Alan

.
Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Fred

I have a 35.5, which has basically the same setup. Having the drum for the roller furling below deck level costs about 5 or 6 inches to the "J". The control line for the furler exits the deck on the right rear edge of the anchor locker and travels above the deck to the cockpit. For racing, the advantage is obvious. Decksweepers are better than carrying a high footed sail. I can't think of an advantage for cruising. I think Hunter did this just as an innovation, just like the stern rail seats that everyone has now copied. You have to give them credit for innovation. I have just added a retractable sprit pole and the forward support for the sprit is mounted to the SS stem plate to port of the headstay. Now I can carry a really big Akite, like the J boats, and sail deeper than just tacking to the anchor roller.
 
May 7, 2004
119
Hunter 33.5 Saint Louis
Fred

Alan probably hit the nail on the head. Hunter kinda screwed mine up though. It seems the attachment point for the furler in my anchor well is to low. This brings the drum slightly aft (off center)causing the OD of the drum to rub on the ID of the deck opening while the sheets are under tension. I had to grind the deck hole and reglass to fix the problem. It's still impossible to service the drum without detaching the forestay all together. Jeff
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Alan and Jeff, thanks.

I'm assuming you guys have used furlers mounted in the conventional manner above the deck. Which do you prefer? And Hunters innovations are leading the industry. Little doubt about that. It's fun to watch from the sidelines. I'm too much of a chicken to be the first. It's something to do with depreciation risk and my bottom line.
 
May 7, 2004
119
Hunter 33.5 Saint Louis
Below Deck For Me

Fred, having it below deck does make my anchor roller set up easier to use. Other than that I suppose it's a toss up. Jeff
 

Alan

.
Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Me Too!

I don't like to see the drum and most of the time never use it anyway. Changing headsails while racing is impossible while using the furler. We use just the foil instead. Jeff makes a good point, getting to the anchor and gear is much easier without a drum in the way.
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
OK thanks,but,,

I can't envision that on my boat. The drum is not an issue while anchoring. It's a matter of design I guess.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.