Dropping Mains'l

[Carmen Daccurso]

Looking for an alternative to dutchman, lazy-jacks, EZDouse, etc. Saw an ad in "Cruising World" or "Sailing..." which pictured slats attached parallel to the boom which could be raised to the vertical(perpendicular) when lowering the sail, thus containing it for you while you tied it. Then you could lower the slats to attach your boom cover.Anybody out there know the name of the product or the manufacturer?Thanks,CJD, SV "Serenity"

 

[Del Wiese]

another alternative

A number of local sailors have implemented a system that I understand came from North Sails. Grommets or loops are installed on the leech of the main and small lines are run from these to rings on the topping lift. The length of the lines are such that the leech is pulled tight when the sail lowers. I have it on my Legend 37 and it works fine. I have to flake the sail a bit to tie it to the boom and put on the sail cover, but I like it a lot better than lazy jacks.

 

[Kevin]

In-Boom Systems

Practical Sailor tested Leisure Furl, John Mast, Schaefer and ProFurl's in boom furling systems. They rated Leisure Furl and Schaefer the best.Kevin

 

[Doug T.]

To Del

I'm trying to visualize the system you describe, but it just isn't coming clear. Can you describe it more precisely? How many lines are used? Do they run vertically? Horizontally? Diagonally? Do the lines run from the topping lift, through the grommets and down to the boom? How are the lines attached to the topping lift? What type of line is used (type, thickness)? Do they interfere with the shape of the mainsail at all when you're sailing? Etcetera.... (A diagram would be great!!!)

 

[Rick Belew]

I had them on my hunter 27

They were mounted on the sides of the boom and had a slight bend maybe 45 degrees. A spring held them tightly against the boom and when you rotated them 90 degrees they winged out on either side of boom at approx. 45 degrees to the horizon. They came with boat and I do not know if this is what you are writing about butthey helped to flake the main but you got to watch them pinching the sail when you retract them.