In-boom mainsail furling ?

[Allan Frey]

Does anyone have experience using the in-boom mainsail furling systems that have been developed in the last dozen years?

There are currently five manufacturers. I'm considering converting to one of the systems. The earlier systems in the 1960s and 1980s did not work well.

Thanks
Allan

 

[Bryce22345]

Allen,
I've had a Furl-Boom on my H410 since 2002 and just love it. a friend has a Schaefer system on his Pacific Seacraft 40, that I've also sailed a lot on. both systems work as touted. can reef at pretty much any wind angle, sail stows quickly and easily on both. I do prefer my FurlBoom for a couple of reasons. it has far lower resistance than the schaefer product and the built in sail cover is far nicer on the furlboom. I think the real key to these systems is the sail maker. if they don't have in-boom sail making experience, I'd look elsewhere. the sail is really critical to these systems. boom angle when reefing/furling is also critical on these systems. take the time to mark either the main sheet or boom vang for the proper reefing angle and they work really well. If I was buying a new one, package price would be my determining factor. these systems have come a long way since the Sto Boom days.

 

[Allan Frey]

A question, Bryce...

does your H410 have a B&R rig?

Some do and some don't in the H410 pictures I've seen. It may matter when I call Furlboom since inquiries to Schaefer suggest that my B&R rig might be a problem for the Schaefer furler.

Thanks for the useful information that you have already provided.

Allan

 

[jwieneck]

I have a 1998 376 and have been looking into converting to a boom furlering system. I was wondering my main is huge with a very large roach and 4 full battens. I have Ronstan cars on the main now to help me get her up. I understand you have to take the cars off for the boom furler. Do you have issues raising the main on your 41 I am thinking the mains must be about the same?

 

[frank@qg.com]

In boom furling

We had the Liesure Furl (Forespar) in-boom furling on our 2003 426DS and loved it. All of the advantages of in-boom furling notwithstanding, here's what we liked about the Leisure Furl:

1. The furling drum is mounted on the forward side of the mast, allowing the boom to be
mounted closer to the trailing edge of the mast, thus keeping the sail closer to the mast
and eliminating the need for a complicated and articulating sail track.

2. Very simple sail cover arrangement

3. Very robust design. They've made a lot of them and for a lot of large boats.

4. The system for mounting the foot of the sail allows for adjustment of either a loose or
a tight foot, depending on wind conditions.

All of the other comments were correct regarding boom angle, etc. And do pay particular attention to who is going to manufacture your sails for you. It is important that they have experience with boom furling systems. We chose North sails and they did an outstanding job.

 

[Bryce22345]

Re: A question, Bryce...

Allan,
I do have a B&R rig. no problems with it. have also talked to several Leisure Furl owners and all had positive feedback. a lot for me was the cost. the Furlboom , complete with sail was substantially less money than the Leisure Furl. would recommend an electric winch with any of the in boom furlers. just makes life so much easier. have cranked it up by hand but at 60, its not as easy as it used to be. I actually increased the main sail size by about 8% over the factory flaking sail.

 

[frank@qg.com]

In boom furling

The only thing unique about in boom furling on a B&R rig is that placement of the gooseneck relative to the trademark Hunter arch allows for the proper boom angle for correct furling. That is critical, regardless of which mfgr you choose for your system. On our Leisure Furl system, the proper angle was 87-1/2 degrees. Not 87 and not 88. It has to be precise. The idea of marking the topping lift is a good one. That's what we used.

And I'd also echo the suggestion of a power winch. One of the advantages of in boom furling is ability to reef on any point of sail; that being said, it does require a fair amount of muscle to do so. Also, the addition of a power winch makes single-handing this system a snap.

Be sure whoever installs your system understands this. And be sure your sail maker is in on the discussions.

If everything is done correctly, you're going to love it.

 

[Allan Frey]

Thanks for the information.

I already have an electric winch, so that is no problem. What might be iffy is that as far as I can determine, none of the riggers or sailmakers here has ever done a furling boom installation.

Allan

 

[Bryce22345]

Allan,
North Sails did my sail, so I'd guess they have a loft in your area. My rigger didn't have any experience installing my furlboom, but he worked closely with Dugall Johnson (a rigger at furlboom) and had no significant issues. sailmaker is the biggest issue IMHO. but the sail making instructions from furlboom, if followed properly are pretty thorough.

 

[Allan Frey]

Your information, Bryce...
is most useful. Thanks

Allan

 

[frank@qg.com]

Nn Boom furling

And I believe our North Sails came out of a loft in the Annapolis area.