Lazy Jacks ..or not?

[Lee Hadjiosif]

Hi, I am in the market for a new "used" boat. My previous two boats had an in-mast roller furling main and never considered buying anything but the same in the future, mostly for the ease of use and not having to go up to tie and cover the main at the end of each day. Well...I came across a nice Beneteau Oceanis 2012 45' with all the options I need...except the main sail. It has a Lazy Jacks system with lazy bag. I am very familiar with the pros and cons of the two systems but I wonder if anyone knows if the new "2012" system still requires you to go out and tie and zip the main or if it can all be done from the cockpit. Thanks.
Lee

 

[Ron20324]

I can't answer the zipper question since my B323 is probably different than yours. I have seen the zipper with lines and blocks located so you can open or close the zipper from one end of the sail cover. . As far as tie and cover the main, that is a nice way to unwind and end the day, and especially get a look at the your equipment.

 

[DougM]

Zipping and unzipping the lazy bag is really no big deal. In my case, when I lower the sail, it pretty much naturally flakes into the bag. All I need to do is go forward, tidying up the flaking, and pulling the zipper forward as I go, then securing the bag around the mast. Then I finish by tightening the jack lines. It doesn't take more than five minutes. I don't see why there is any advantage to doing this all from the cockpit.
I could accomplish this between the time we entered the channel to our marina and reached the dock with my wife at the helm.
The other advantage, at least to me, is the peace of mind knowing that the furling main isn't going to accidentally jam at the worst possible time. I suppose if people have furling mains on their boats they either love them or hate them.

 

[Justin_NSA]

From reading, I would guess not. "The genoa furled easily and the main dropped safely inside its lazy jack restraints, but packing it into its zippered bag is best done by clambering onto the arch and to that end the arch needs improved surface grip."

http://www.boatpoint.com.au/editori...s-45/beneteau-oceanis-45----first-sail-31353/
I also read in a different article that you need to reef the 45 early "Helm response was generally precise with good feedback. While sailing close-hauled, the single rudder did lose its grip in one moderate gust, so we balanced the helm by increasing tension on the mainsail halyard. In stronger winds I expect you’ll need to reef early to keep the rudder working properly. This boat has a very wide stern and I suspect it would benefit from having twin rudders, like the boats in the Sense line."

http://www.sailmagazine.com/boat-reviews/beneteau-oceanis-45/