To furl or not to furl...

[Kai]

After my previous post got so many good responses, maybe I may ask another question:I hear conflicting comments regarding the roller furling. I understand the issue of mast-raising with and without the furler, so thats mainly a convenience issue.But what about this:The 26 M does not have backstays. Therefore, it is in question how much and how easy you can apply tension to the headstay. I would think that you need nice headstay tension to use the furler. What is your experience with this situation??Is there a requirement to increase the stay-tension on the rigg, possibly by using special (lower stretch) stays?Your comments are all highly appreciated!Regards,Kai

 

[Richard]

get the furler

the spars and standing rigging is angled slightly aft. Plenty of tension. Yes it takes a lot more tugging with a ratcheting load tightener to get the shackle pin in, but You can roll up your genny or jib from the cockpit. This is a decently large boat. If your single handed sailing, and facing a squall, you don't want to run up to the foredeck, while leaving the helm. Additionally you can leave a little triangle of foresail out, to give you much more control in a storm. Roller furling is a big plus.