External Rollerfurling Mains

[Graeme Scott]

I'm in the process of buying an O'day 37 equiped with a Hyde rollerfurling system for the main.This system is mounted aft of the mast and appears much the same as a headsail system(foil,halyard swivel, drum etc.)I wonder if anyone has had any experience with this setup and could give any pointers on it's strength/weaknesses or potential problems to watch out for?

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Mainsail furling

Graeme -I've know a couple of people with these systems and the seem to work reasonably well. Apparently they can somtimes be a bit reluckant to furl in anything but wind dead on the nose conditions. Apart from that I haven't heard any major negatives. I haven't sailed with one yet though.You do have the disadvantage all mainsail reefing systems have - vertical furling means no battens, which in turn means no sail area outside of a line dran from tack to head, or no roach. (yeah - I know there are a coupld of exceptions but they're not prevalent yet) The convenience might be worth it though.Justin - O'day Owners' Web