rollerfurling jenny

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Tim Gillespie

We have just purchased an Oday 25 and I'm interested in exploring the possibility of installing a rollerfurling system for the jenny. I'm not sure of it's worth it. I've read some negative things about reduced sailing performance. I've also read that the jenny may need to be modified. I also cannot find the hardware anywhere online. Any thoughts?
 
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Dan Tobin

Roller Furling

Tim, Congratulations on the new boat! I've sailed both with and without R/F, and felt I had the right configuration both times. I used to sail an O'Day 25 and always had an "able bodied" crew. We didn't have R/F, and didn't miss it. We had a good sail inventory and enjoyed getting the most out of the boat. The foresail, if partially rolled (reefed) will lose some of it's designed shape. So for optimum performance, you would be better off changing sails. Now I sail a 27 with R/F with my family as my crew. My wife is more of a passenger than a sailor, and I'm more than happy to give up a little sail shape for the ability to reduce sail from the cockpit. If you've just purchased the boat, I'd sail it for a season as-is so you can make the decision based on experience. If you do go with a roller furler, any foresails that you wish to use will need to be modified to slide into the groove on the R/F tube. I believe the cost should be ~$200/sail for the mod. I think you can purchase R/F equipment through West Marine or BoatsUS. Good Luck!
 
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Don Evans

Good Advice Dan

I have had similar experience with regards to hanked on vs. roller furling. I would put RF on the top 5 list for upgrades, but I have sailed many years without it and enjoyed my time just the same. The ability to tweak the headsail to match the conditions, especially if they are changing by the minute, is a great benefit. If you sail often by yourself it adds a greater margin of safety. 3 popular choices for RF include, the CDI, Harken and Schaeffer systems, with pliable plastic headfoils meant for the trailor sailor who drops their mast frequently. You can purchase these from most marine suppliers, sail lofts, riggers or even here online at this website. Modification of my headsail cost $150.
 
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Mike

Roller furling options

I am thinking about the same upgrade for my O'Day 23. Before you buy, check out the April 15, 2000 issue of Practical Sailor. They test and compare the four leading brands of small boat rollerfurlers. For what its worth, I think the tradeoffs favor installing the rollerfurling on an O'Day 23 or 25. I don't race my boat (let's face it, neither boat was designed to race anyway), and the marginal loss of performance is less critical than the added safety and convenience.
 
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web

just a little bit to add

I would not in assent to the other guys posts but wanted to reiterate the suggestion that you sail the boat for a little while before you make too many changes. I too have sailed with and without RF and each has its place. Currently, my Catalina is set up with RF and I love the ability to adjust the sail to the optimal size for the conditions. Foam luff helps the sail keep its shape. I would not have added RF to the boat if it didn't have it alraedy, though. With my daysailer, I made a large number of rigging and even a few deck and hull modifications before I even put the boat in the water. This proved to be a mistake, as many of the changes I had to undo later. If it seemed like a brilliant idea to me, it probably had to someone else as well, and if they hadn't implemented it there was probably a reason. This is not to say that you should not customize your boat. I find making things my own (from boat to car to paintball gun) great fun. Just use it first to determine what you want to change from experience. YMMV, Justin - O'day Owners' Web
 
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web

actually, I would _nod_ in assent . . .(nm)

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Tim Gillespie

Thanks for the advice

I just wanted to say to all who responded to my question about adding rollerfurling to my Oday25, THANKYOU! The internet is too cool for words when you consider the resources available through web sites like this. I will sail this boat for a season, as recommended, and see how she goes. I'm sure I'll be posting more questions as I go. Again, thanks for taking the time. Tim Gillespie
 
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