How to swap out genoa for jib on roller furler?

[JonnyQuest]

Heading to boat today for better look but my oday has a roller furler the type that cannot be reefed--genny must be let all the way out from what I am told. I would thus prefer to use the jib instead but am new to furlers, only used hanked on sails before.

Is it difficult to swap the two head sails? Will I need sail tape or anything else? (no idea what to do with sail tape). Is the process simply letting the sail all the way out and then swapping the sails out?

The books I have don't cover this topic. When I get to the boat in a couple of hours I can check the make and model of furler.

Thanks for tips.

 

[RichH]

Do you mean .....

.... changing between jib or genoa while sailing?

.... OR simply changing the genoa for a jib .... and the jib needs work to correctly fit to the furler foil?

 

[JonnyQuest]

A permanent swap out. The genoa is too large for my typical sailing needs, regular job would be better.

 

[Todd Smith]

Is the process simply letting the sail all the way out and then swapping the sails out?

Yes.
Do it at the dock when there is little or no wind.
Your jib must have the correct size luff tape installed. This is done by a sailmaker, if it is not already on the sail.

 

[JonnyQuest]

Yes.
Do it at the dock when there is little or no wind.
Your jib must have the correct size luff tape installed. This is done by a sailmaker, if it is not already on the sail.

Thanks Todd. I'll take the jib and the furler info to a sailmaker if there isn't luff tape already on it. I assume any tape on the luff would be obvious if it is already added.

Oh, the jib may not have a sail cover sewn on; have to check on that first.

 

[Jackdaw]

If the foil does not have a pre-feeder, take care loading the luff into the slot. Its easy to rip the tape if you pull it at a bad angle.

If the sail does not want to roll, you probably have too much halyard tension.

Remember to change your sheet leads to adjust for the new sheeting angle.

 

[RichH]

Yes.
Do it at the dock when there is little or no wind.
Your jib must have the correct size luff tape installed. This is done by a sailmaker, if it is not already on the sail.

The new sail must have the *continuous support tape* that exactly matches the specs. of the furler. Every furler manufacturer lists the correct NUMBER (#6 continuous support tape, etc) to be applied to the luff of the sail. example: http://www.sailrite.com/Continuous-Support-Tape-6
Dont forget the UV cover if the sail is left furled in the sun for long periods.

 

[JonnyQuest]

Thanks Rich, Jackdaw, and all with your pointers, I have a good idea where to go from here-- to the sailmaker after checking to see if PO had ever set the jib up for roller furling (doubtful).

May need to wait for a bit of extra Payola to come in however, so no photos expected for unless jib is good to go.

Regards,

Jonny Quest

 

[RichH]

Replacement or installation of a continuous support tape is relatively cheap and easy to do ... if you have access to an 'industrial', etc. sewing machine.

Ditto too a 'UV suncover', especially a cover made from adhesive backed 'insignia cloth'.