Thank you Sunbird, Dave and Justin,
There are only 2 occasions for Trailering her, beginning and end of season, otherwise she is secured to her slip in Bridgeport, CT.
I think I have 2 questions and I hope I'm not making things more complicated then they need to be.
1. The CDI FF2 was recommended by Dave, Is there a difference in Furlers between a Masthead rig and a Fractional rig?
2. My Genoa has Brass Grommets where the Hanks secure the Sail to the Headstay, Will these Grommets interfere with the operation of the Furler or the installation of a " #6Bolt Rope? " ?
My decision to buy a Furler was motivated by the difficulties encountered while sailing single handed especially when the seas began to pick up while at anchor and raising the Foresail on a pitching deck to say the least was exciting if not foolishly dangerous. While at anchor I had the Genoa secured to the lifeline with bungee cords and it was certainly an adventure setting sail for the return to the Club docks. I suppose I could of motored back but my thoughts are I should be able to Sail because the engine option may not always be available. Other questions may come to mind but my daughter is bothering me to take her Skiing.
While pondering this decision... may I suggest a slight change in your single handing method to make things a little safer and more efficient?
1, Learn to steer with the tiller between your knees. This will leave both hands free to handle the sails.
2. Invest in, or build, a device to stabilize the tiller... google "tiller tamer".
3. Install a "jib downhaul"... a length of small diameter line that connects to the top grommet(not the headboard) and routed down to the stem and then back to the cockpit. Do not run the line inside the hanks... let it fly free. The jib downhaul will not only help you control the drop so the sail will land on the foredeck, but when cleated, will keep the sail from bouncing around.
4. Rig some netting, or lash some cords, from the lifelines to keep the sail from sliding off the deck.
5. Try to get away from using bungee cords. Instead, carry a couple of sail ties in your pocket for any emergencies you main encounter.
6. Before I rigged the jib downhaul and strung a cord "fence" to contain my headsail on the foredeck, I lashed the sail to the rear leg of the bow pulpit... you could use a stanchion, also... the lashing was tied with a slip knot and was long enough to get back to cockpit... I could yank out the slip knot just before hoisting...
I still think a roller furler is cool... you'll spend money on modifying the sail and related hardware... make sure the furling unit has a somewhat flexible foil if you drop the mast often. Both Schaeffer and Harken make small boat furlers designed for that purpose.