Furlers
Keith, There have been a number of threads regarding adding roller furlers over the past several months; use the search function on the homepage to search for 'furler' or 'furling.' You should get lots of hits. As far as the advisability of adding one, I can't imagine how we all sailed for so long without them. Of course, the racers don't like them because they can mess up the sail shape with a partially rolled sail, so be sure to check out their opinions. In any event, adding a furler can be done for ~400 if you're willing to do it yourself and you have a headsail in good enough condition that it is worth converting. If not, you're looking at a replacement sail. Used ones can be had for a couple of hundred dollars, and a new one shouldn't be more the 700 or so. If the budget allows, a new sail with foam in the luff will allow the sail to keep a better shape is it is partially furled. I have such a headsail and am very pleased with it. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
