Don, Can't decide whether to add head sail

[RobG]

reefing furler or not. My Oday 222 has a free flying furler (Schaefer Small Boat Furler) good for dousing and deploying only. The rig is fractional so the main is the driving sail and has one pretty deep reef. Since the head sail is fairly small, about a 110, I can't decide if it is worth the $$$. I have a Schaefer CF-500 picked out plus the sail modification runs into a few bucks. I've sailed reefed in some stiff breeze and thought I could use to reef the jib but I don't know if I'd loose too much drive. Main sail alone in any wind is very ineffective with this rig.See boat specs and pics for the Oday 222 on this site for a decent side shot of the set-up.Thanks!

 

[don]

can't help

rob, i can't help much with your question, just wanted to say hello to a neighbor with an oday. i own a daysailer and sail around watch hill and stonington area. maybe we will see each other on the water some time.

 

[Bob]

Good way to go

Rob, I installed the same Schaefer unit on my boat a year and a half ago, and have been very pleased with it. I was concerned that it might not be robust enough, as my boat has a heavy rig and I like to push it pretty hard. Also, I knew I'd be doing a lot of phrf racing. Before ordering it, I talked to a Schaefer rep and he assured me it could handle about any conditions I'd see. He was right. It has performed flawlessly across the spectrum. It's also relatively easy to deal with when dropping the mast, and stows easily (strapped to the mast) when trailering. It takes longer than they say to install, though, and I wish it used #6 luff tape instead of #5, as that is much more common. Order the fairlead arm for sure, and keep some tension on the furling line when unfurling the sail. Shop around - mine was a real good buy when on sale.

 

[RobG]

Hi Don Westerly, RI !

I sail in that direction often. See you out there!