Anyone out there have any experience with CDI behind-the-mast mainsail furling systems? Good idea? Bad? Thanks, Kevin
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jim
Good article
I havent heard of anyone using a CDI that way but there is a good article in the current issue of Cruising World on mainsail furling and a mention about behind the mast variations. They werent crazt about the idea of adapting a headsail furler because of luff sag.
I havent heard of anyone using a CDI that way but there is a good article in the current issue of Cruising World on mainsail furling and a mention about behind the mast variations. They werent crazt about the idea of adapting a headsail furler because of luff sag.
J
Jim
Correction
I just heard that CDI is introducing a behind the mast furler at Annapolis....evidently it's ontheir website now. stay tuned.
I just heard that CDI is introducing a behind the mast furler at Annapolis....evidently it's ontheir website now. stay tuned.
Mainsail Reefing
I have behind the mast reefing on my mainsail for an '88 Ctatlina 30 TRBS. It is a Harken jib furling unit and was modified and installed at least 12 years ago. I like it, but it does have its pros and cons. On the good side, all lines led to the cockpit. A breeze to furl, unfurl or reef at an infinite number of points. Sail is loose footed and you can vary the shape easily with the outhaul, mainsheet and vang. Cons, I don't have any battens so virtually no roach to the sail. It is my understanding that you can install vertical battens. Another issue is vibration. When the sail is furled, there is an empty slot behind the mast between the mast and furled sail. My boat is on a mooring in lower NY Bay. As the window increases, it blows by the mast and a low pressure pocket is created behind the mast. The furled sail gets sucked into the low pressure pocket and then snaps out, creating a vibration. Once the windw hits 15 knots and above, the furled sail vibrates to the level where you can feel it throughout the boat. Harken told me to increase the tension of the luff wire of the furler. This helps, but does not solve the probelm. The only cure I have for eliminating the vibration, is I wrap my extra jib halyard 3 to 4 times around the furled mainsail beneath the spreaders and snub the line down. This stops the vibration. I don't know what CDI does about this problem, but I would ask. Sincerely, Art Femenella
I have behind the mast reefing on my mainsail for an '88 Ctatlina 30 TRBS. It is a Harken jib furling unit and was modified and installed at least 12 years ago. I like it, but it does have its pros and cons. On the good side, all lines led to the cockpit. A breeze to furl, unfurl or reef at an infinite number of points. Sail is loose footed and you can vary the shape easily with the outhaul, mainsheet and vang. Cons, I don't have any battens so virtually no roach to the sail. It is my understanding that you can install vertical battens. Another issue is vibration. When the sail is furled, there is an empty slot behind the mast between the mast and furled sail. My boat is on a mooring in lower NY Bay. As the window increases, it blows by the mast and a low pressure pocket is created behind the mast. The furled sail gets sucked into the low pressure pocket and then snaps out, creating a vibration. Once the windw hits 15 knots and above, the furled sail vibrates to the level where you can feel it throughout the boat. Harken told me to increase the tension of the luff wire of the furler. This helps, but does not solve the probelm. The only cure I have for eliminating the vibration, is I wrap my extra jib halyard 3 to 4 times around the furled mainsail beneath the spreaders and snub the line down. This stops the vibration. I don't know what CDI does about this problem, but I would ask. Sincerely, Art Femenella
i have an old system on my boat of this type
It really helped a amateur sailor like me, the ease of reefing was paramount when I was nearing a big tropical storm at the end of my last trip. It also enabled me to sail down a canal when my motor failed and dock at the marina without a tow boat, which saved me a few hundred bucks. (Note to self, get tow boat insurance). the pic links didnt work, check the attached link for my gallery of pics, see page 2 for rigging
It really helped a amateur sailor like me, the ease of reefing was paramount when I was nearing a big tropical storm at the end of my last trip. It also enabled me to sail down a canal when my motor failed and dock at the marina without a tow boat, which saved me a few hundred bucks. (Note to self, get tow boat insurance). the pic links didnt work, check the attached link for my gallery of pics, see page 2 for rigging
K
Kevin
Performance?
Thanks for your replies. Art, did you notice any difference in performance? I talked to CDI, they suggest lowering the mast end of the boom about 6" (you need a new sail anyway) to give you the same cockpit room but additional sail area to make up for lack of roach. It sounds like that would make up for any small performance loss, and with this system, you can still control sail shape with vang, outhaul, etc... The CDI system is brand new (I did not know that when I posted the message), it is on their web site to prepare for the Annapolis show, where it will be announced. Kevin
Thanks for your replies. Art, did you notice any difference in performance? I talked to CDI, they suggest lowering the mast end of the boom about 6" (you need a new sail anyway) to give you the same cockpit room but additional sail area to make up for lack of roach. It sounds like that would make up for any small performance loss, and with this system, you can still control sail shape with vang, outhaul, etc... The CDI system is brand new (I did not know that when I posted the message), it is on their web site to prepare for the Annapolis show, where it will be announced. Kevin
Performance
Kevin: I can't respond regarding a change in performance because that is how the boat was setup when I bought it. I actually raised the end of the boom a few inches and had the main trimmed slightly to accomodate the bimini. I'm 6'5" and my son is 6'8" and we wanted to have standing headroom under the bimini.
Kevin: I can't respond regarding a change in performance because that is how the boat was setup when I bought it. I actually raised the end of the boom a few inches and had the main trimmed slightly to accomodate the bimini. I'm 6'5" and my son is 6'8" and we wanted to have standing headroom under the bimini.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.