I've got mainsail furling on a 33
I've got a 1980 33ft Hunter that has a Forespar "behind mast" mainsail furler retrofitted. I would not sail without it, as most of the time I singlehand and the increase in flexibility and safety lets me sail when I otherwise would not. The mainsail had to be recut(replaced in my case) and some very small area is lost (not a problem on a 33 as you have to reef anyway at 12-15 kts due to weather helm) and the sail becomes loose-footed, again, not a problem for me. i have never had a failure or problem with the furling mechanism...but I follow directions on how to use the system and maintain properly. With roller furling on jib and main, once you get used to it it is common to sail almost to dock, pull in the sails from the cockpit, and only use the engine for a few feet...also, having an infinitly adjustable reef for the mainsail makes balancing the boat much easier in higher winds. If I raced, probably wouldn't do it, but not a problem for my mostly daysailing and cruising...can't help you with the sticker shock part, though.
