I own a 46' Irwin center cockpit ketch and plan to do some offshore cruising in the Pacific, much of which will be of the single-or short-handed variety. At this time, the headsail is hanked on, but I've been considering installing a furler for ease of use. However, I've seen points of view expressed from knowledgeable people on both sides of the issue. Some say furling is a must for ease of use, safety and efficiency; others say a furler is just a problem waiting to happen and in heavy weather the ability to change headsails for the conditions is vital. I've sailed with both setups, and they each have their strong points. To be honest, though, I'm leaning away from a furler at this point, despite the challenges inherent in managing a ketch-rig sail set. Any comments or observations on the furling vs. non-furling issue? Thanks.
Furled headsail vs. not?
- Thread starter jcannon
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Furling Headsail!
How long has it been since you could buy a new 46' vessel with a hank on headsail. For cruising, especially shorthanded, this is a no brainer. The next time someone professes that hanking on a headsail is preferred in a 30 knot breeze, check his blood pressure and find out what drugs he is on. This is technofobia in its most basic form. Jon
How long has it been since you could buy a new 46' vessel with a hank on headsail. For cruising, especially shorthanded, this is a no brainer. The next time someone professes that hanking on a headsail is preferred in a 30 knot breeze, check his blood pressure and find out what drugs he is on. This is technofobia in its most basic form. Jon
Roller Furling
I've sailed with both and the most difficult problem I've had with roller furling is a jammed drum in a gale with a genoa flying. We were on a Catalina 42 in the Channel Islands off of California. It took three of us to lower and lash the sail. It could have been done with fewer. It was a bother but nothing compared to changing a hanked-on headsail in a gale with 12-18 foot swells breaking on deck which I did while crossing the Atlantic. Getting the new sail on deck, stowing the sail that's coming down - keeping them from washing off the deck with you wrapped up in one of them - these conditions are quite common with hanked-on sails. I think if you spend some bucks on a top-quality furler, you'll be much happier and safer in the cockpit and not hanging onto the bow rail while wrestling with a flogging sail in a gale. And with roller furling you really only need one sail and no space belowdecks is used for storing bags of headsails. My boat has a roller furler but it's not a blue water boat.
I've sailed with both and the most difficult problem I've had with roller furling is a jammed drum in a gale with a genoa flying. We were on a Catalina 42 in the Channel Islands off of California. It took three of us to lower and lash the sail. It could have been done with fewer. It was a bother but nothing compared to changing a hanked-on headsail in a gale with 12-18 foot swells breaking on deck which I did while crossing the Atlantic. Getting the new sail on deck, stowing the sail that's coming down - keeping them from washing off the deck with you wrapped up in one of them - these conditions are quite common with hanked-on sails. I think if you spend some bucks on a top-quality furler, you'll be much happier and safer in the cockpit and not hanging onto the bow rail while wrestling with a flogging sail in a gale. And with roller furling you really only need one sail and no space belowdecks is used for storing bags of headsails. My boat has a roller furler but it's not a blue water boat.
Opt for cutter rig
Certainly a furling headsail is something to be concerned about because of the mechanics - but, it should be properly maintained, too. If done, then the concern should be minimal. What I'd recommend is the furling headsail and adding an innerstay, perhaps removable, for use when the winds really pipe up. My guess, with only the single headsail, is when the wind pipes up you'll most likely want to roll some of the sail up to reduce the horsepower. The problem with this method is: 1. The sail fabric of the sail is not designed for the higher wind loading which will cause it to prematurely loose its shape (i.e., read "blown out"), 2. The center of effort is off-balanced and in the case of the jib the center of effort actually moves forward which messes up the helm. With an inner stay the center of effort stays closer in and the helm will be more neutral. I would not want to be in a sea with a heaving bow and working up there. The jib on a 50-footer carries massive power and I wouldn't want to manhandle it.
Certainly a furling headsail is something to be concerned about because of the mechanics - but, it should be properly maintained, too. If done, then the concern should be minimal. What I'd recommend is the furling headsail and adding an innerstay, perhaps removable, for use when the winds really pipe up. My guess, with only the single headsail, is when the wind pipes up you'll most likely want to roll some of the sail up to reduce the horsepower. The problem with this method is: 1. The sail fabric of the sail is not designed for the higher wind loading which will cause it to prematurely loose its shape (i.e., read "blown out"), 2. The center of effort is off-balanced and in the case of the jib the center of effort actually moves forward which messes up the helm. With an inner stay the center of effort stays closer in and the helm will be more neutral. I would not want to be in a sea with a heaving bow and working up there. The jib on a 50-footer carries massive power and I wouldn't want to manhandle it.
Best laid plans....
Go with a furler...I agree with the guy that calls it a no brainer. The best insurance for not being in a dangerous situation trying to deal with headsails in a blow is to get a jump on it early. Get everything ready well before the wind kicks up. Get your headsail down...put up the sail you want in a safe situation ...give your self some time....dont wait until you need it ..its too late...been there done that. But go with a furler...
Go with a furler...I agree with the guy that calls it a no brainer. The best insurance for not being in a dangerous situation trying to deal with headsails in a blow is to get a jump on it early. Get everything ready well before the wind kicks up. Get your headsail down...put up the sail you want in a safe situation ...give your self some time....dont wait until you need it ..its too late...been there done that. But go with a furler...
gale sail
there is a sail out there called gale sail, i think. it is designed to zip around the furled head sail. it is a storm sail and small. it has the added advantage of belaying the furled genoa in the zippered sleeve. i think it is a cool idea, but have not used one. i do find that a deeply reefed furling headsail has terrible shape...lots of drag, not lift....can,t point. see related link
there is a sail out there called gale sail, i think. it is designed to zip around the furled head sail. it is a storm sail and small. it has the added advantage of belaying the furled genoa in the zippered sleeve. i think it is a cool idea, but have not used one. i do find that a deeply reefed furling headsail has terrible shape...lots of drag, not lift....can,t point. see related link
CE moves UP, as well
If I'm not mistaken (and I often am), the CE (center of effort) not only moves forward as a headsail is furled, but also higher up the forestay. This will result in more heeling for the same ammount of thrust. This is not a problem in a furled mainsail, as its foot moves along the boom.
If I'm not mistaken (and I often am), the CE (center of effort) not only moves forward as a headsail is furled, but also higher up the forestay. This will result in more heeling for the same ammount of thrust. This is not a problem in a furled mainsail, as its foot moves along the boom.
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