I think it was CDI that makes bracket that attaches to the mast then accepts a traditional forestay rollerfurling to make a inmast type rollermain only it's a couple inches behind the mast. Looks like a great idea. Does anybody have that setup and how well does it really work?
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It has problems
I don't own one but one of the families in the club does. The only advantage I could see is that it makes furling and un-furling the main easier. The disadvantages are numerous. You have to modify your out haul in most cases to allow the car to move all the way forward, the sail would need a sunbrell strip sewn into the leach to protect it when furled, you can't us batons, you can't reef, the luft is only supported by a small diameter rod fastened at either end so it adds a bow to the luft when the sail fills with wind, all the force from the sail has to go through the 2 end bearings so loosing just one means no sail, you really can't use your existing sail as it will "get all baggy" when you try and furl it, a cunningham can't be used, when you try to use the halyard to straighten the luft the furling rod just bends more....... It really takes away most of your sail controls. IMHO this is a "cool" thing used to sell boats to lazy folks who are only interested in sailing on the perfect day and then not wanting to do any more work than is ABSOLUTELY necessary.
I don't own one but one of the families in the club does. The only advantage I could see is that it makes furling and un-furling the main easier. The disadvantages are numerous. You have to modify your out haul in most cases to allow the car to move all the way forward, the sail would need a sunbrell strip sewn into the leach to protect it when furled, you can't us batons, you can't reef, the luft is only supported by a small diameter rod fastened at either end so it adds a bow to the luft when the sail fills with wind, all the force from the sail has to go through the 2 end bearings so loosing just one means no sail, you really can't use your existing sail as it will "get all baggy" when you try and furl it, a cunningham can't be used, when you try to use the halyard to straighten the luft the furling rod just bends more....... It really takes away most of your sail controls. IMHO this is a "cool" thing used to sell boats to lazy folks who are only interested in sailing on the perfect day and then not wanting to do any more work than is ABSOLUTELY necessary.
But tell me Bill
How do you really feel about them! Seriously now, OK so I see your point about sail control and I hadn't thought of that other than ease of reefing where I think you're mistaken about that. What about the expensive in mast furling, it would seem most of what you mentioned would still apply. Yet somehow don't the big time race boats use a loose footed main? How is that since my understanding is the loose foot won't point as well. And yes I can see the cunningham being useless. Thanks for your insight since I'm getting confused.
How do you really feel about them! Seriously now, OK so I see your point about sail control and I hadn't thought of that other than ease of reefing where I think you're mistaken about that. What about the expensive in mast furling, it would seem most of what you mentioned would still apply. Yet somehow don't the big time race boats use a loose footed main? How is that since my understanding is the loose foot won't point as well. And yes I can see the cunningham being useless. Thanks for your insight since I'm getting confused.
mainsail furling
I have in-mast furling so I can't be much help with info on the add-on units you are referring too. But as I have watched and participated in posts regarding mainsail furlers, I've seen that there are many sailors that simply don't like them period. I also suspect that most who fall in that camp have never had one. They simply repeat all the negatives they can think of, have heard, or make up their own. If I ever am able to buy a new boat, mainsail furling will be near the top on my list of options. If you are a serious racer, traditional mains are the way to go. If you like pleasurable sailing single or short handed, furlers are the way to go. I certainly go out in much higher wind speeds than I would with conventional sails. It is my understanding that loose footed mains may be outselling conventional mains now. You certainly can get infinite degrees of belly in the sail ranging from very flat to almost chute like. Not all the shapes are necessarily productive but it sure is fun trying them out. In regard to battens, with the system you are interested in, you could use vertical ones and probably have some roach on your main. I recommend that you keep looking into them. Good Luck A different Bill
I have in-mast furling so I can't be much help with info on the add-on units you are referring too. But as I have watched and participated in posts regarding mainsail furlers, I've seen that there are many sailors that simply don't like them period. I also suspect that most who fall in that camp have never had one. They simply repeat all the negatives they can think of, have heard, or make up their own. If I ever am able to buy a new boat, mainsail furling will be near the top on my list of options. If you are a serious racer, traditional mains are the way to go. If you like pleasurable sailing single or short handed, furlers are the way to go. I certainly go out in much higher wind speeds than I would with conventional sails. It is my understanding that loose footed mains may be outselling conventional mains now. You certainly can get infinite degrees of belly in the sail ranging from very flat to almost chute like. Not all the shapes are necessarily productive but it sure is fun trying them out. In regard to battens, with the system you are interested in, you could use vertical ones and probably have some roach on your main. I recommend that you keep looking into them. Good Luck A different Bill
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