Furling Systems

[hheiduck]

I'm considering installing jib furling gear this year and am looking
for comments regarding same. At this point I've started to focus on
one of three systems, Harken, Schaefer, and ProFurl. I'd welcome all
ideas and comments as to system make and model number. Also, will the
original bow fitting have to be modified? will the headstay have to
be shortened?

Thanks, Hans Heiduck, V1874

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Hans

In the UK, the preferred headsail furling gear is the Rotostay but I do not
think it is available in the USA. Furlex is a well known system and widly
used in Sweden, Denamrk and the rest of Europe. Profurl is also very good.
You pays your money and takes your choice....

They will all do the job and usually with the more expensive systems you
get a brand new forestay at the same time. You use the standrad chainplate
on the bow but i would always try and beef up the forestay fitting
chainplate as it was the failure of this that caused me to lose my mast
three years ago. I have now made twin bow-rollers with attached forestay
cainplate out of 6mm (1/4&quot stainless plate and it certainly makes a
difference.

For price comparision, the rotostay system (including new forestay costs
£599 in the UK).

Kind Regards

Steve Birch
At 18:39 27/01/02 -0000, you wrote:

 

[hheiduck]

Hi Steve, good to hear from you. The sailmaker I'm working with has
recommended the Furlex system as well, and I also have some concerns about
the bow fitting and whether the torsional loads of furling gear would have an
impact of this particular design bow fitting. I've seen your new fitting, and
I'd like to know more, i.e. size and ease of installation, and cost, etc.

Thanks, Hans