How well does the in-mast furler work?

[therobesons]

We are looking at a 1999 Hunter 420 with in mast furler.

We had a boat with an in boom and it was horrible, does the in Mast furler really work?

Do you have to do everything just perfect or is it a little forgiving?

Thanks

 

[Mikem]

I have a 2003 H466 with the Selden in mast furling system. I have had no problems with it and sail more often than I did with my previous boats (Columbia 8.7, Columbia 10.7 and Freeport 41). In our Hunter Association of Puget Sound of about 20 active members probably 15+ are in mast systems and those folks don't report any problems. I don't think a new boat has been sold without it (in our group). As with any system it works much better when the rig is properly tuned. When unfurling it helps to have the main sheet with just a little slack in it. When unfurling or furling constant tension must be kept on the unfurl/furl endless loop line to prevent the line from disengaging the winch at the mast. Other than that, it is a really nice system.
Mike

 

[Les]

Let me say up front that I have had in-mast or main furling gear for the past fifteen years and I would have no other rig. I had main furling on a Hunter 380 and my present boat, a Hunter 27. I had problems at first with my H27 in furling the main and it turned out that the sail was improperly cut. Once it was re-cut it has worked effortlessly.

I would not have a boat without furling main and jib. However, I am seventy eight and do not wish to go forward to furl a traditional main nor fuss with a mainsail cover.

You question about, "Do you have to do everything just perfect...." is interesting. I'm not sure what perfect is. I know that it is recommended that you furl the main with the boom on the port side (or is it the other way around?) so that it furls nicely in the mast...however I never worry about furling the main--I just furl it when necessary. I do try to keep a little pressure on the outhaul as I furl to get a nice tight furl in the mast...but not always.

I really like furling mains in that I can reef to any degree that I want. I was sailing just the other day in thirty knots with only about a third of the main, maybe less, and the jib and having a great sail. So reefing is exceptional.

One suggestion: I am a proponent of the WinchRite (as sold on this web site), a battery operated winch driver. I can un-furl or furl both my sails with little or no effort. At my age this is a delight and the WinchRite has extended my sailing career for a few more years.

For your information, my H380 had a Selden mast and my present boat has a US Spar (French) mast. Both worked effortlessly for me.

I hope this helps.

 

[Steve Dion]

While I think in-mast/in-boom furling system are great, I have sailed on a boat that had an in-mast system. Our problem had to do with un-furling the main. When it happened on our first day we attributed the problem of deploying the main to the last user of the boat (charter). When we put the main away that day we were very careful to make sure that there was proper tension when furling.

The next day we had the same problems as on the first day with trying to deploy. It turned out the the main was stretched and needed replacement.

In general I think they are a great idea, but I am not sure what happens when you have problems?

 

[artboas]

The Selden furling system is excellent.
2 important things:
Keep light outhaul tension when you furl in.
Only furl in with no load on the sail.
The Selden system used a right angle drive, versus a rope run up a helical pulley.
Technically, it is much better
I would only own a large boat with I'm mast furling
Boom furling makes the boom incredibly heavy, and the hoist jams a lot.
Never use a winch to furl in, unless you are watching what's going on.
With a jam up or overlay, you will damage the system

 

[therobesons]

Great info, thanks so much

Bob

 

[Mariner356]

Bob, I've owned two Hunter 410's both with Selden roller furled mains. No difficulty with either. I single handed over 1850 n miles the 2011 summer on the Great Lakes and couldn't have done it without roller furled main. Tension has to maintained on the take up line when rolling in the sail, otherwise it will bag up and get stuck going in . Easy to release by lightly tugging on both endless loop lines either when letting the sail out or bringing in. I think a power winch should never be used. It could cause major problems.