ask your dad first....
sounds like he's comfortable with the boat the way it is. I think you should ask him what he wants you to spend a thousand bucks on for his boat. When you install a roller furling unit the existing sail must be modified also. Adding a "luff tape" and a protective UV panel will cost you 200 to 300 dollars even for the small jib on the folk boat. If he doesn't want a roller furling unit, then I totally agree with John F and Rick D. and I'd recommend you make sure he has a jib downhaul rigged, with both downhaul and halyard accessible from the cockpit. Hardware and line for this upgrade can cost less than $150 and can be easily installed by you and your dad. Then you could spend the rest of the money on other upgraded safety equipment, such as a high quality inflatable PFD with harness and tether, a waterproof, portable VHF, or perhaps an epirb. Another terrific accessory for single handers is an autopilot with remote control. If your dad decides the RF unit would be a welcome addition, go here http://www.thesailwarehouse.com to learn about CDI, Profurl and Harken systems so you can make a more intelligent decision. Kudos to you for wanting to make things safer for your dad.
sounds like he's comfortable with the boat the way it is. I think you should ask him what he wants you to spend a thousand bucks on for his boat. When you install a roller furling unit the existing sail must be modified also. Adding a "luff tape" and a protective UV panel will cost you 200 to 300 dollars even for the small jib on the folk boat. If he doesn't want a roller furling unit, then I totally agree with John F and Rick D. and I'd recommend you make sure he has a jib downhaul rigged, with both downhaul and halyard accessible from the cockpit. Hardware and line for this upgrade can cost less than $150 and can be easily installed by you and your dad. Then you could spend the rest of the money on other upgraded safety equipment, such as a high quality inflatable PFD with harness and tether, a waterproof, portable VHF, or perhaps an epirb. Another terrific accessory for single handers is an autopilot with remote control. If your dad decides the RF unit would be a welcome addition, go here http://www.thesailwarehouse.com to learn about CDI, Profurl and Harken systems so you can make a more intelligent decision. Kudos to you for wanting to make things safer for your dad.