Not to highjack the thread, but I am considering a behind-the mast furler for our mizzen. We can't do IMF on the mizzen if we wanted to (which I don't), because we already have our main engine exhaust in there (we have a "dry exhaust" up the mast, and a closed cooling system that circulates coolant inside a tank in the keel). But, I do like the concept of furling like the headsail does, and behind-the-mast would give us that. So, my questions are: recommendations on furlers (about a 45' mast, above the pilothouse), and would that imply loose footed? Could it even be done without a boom at all, and just sheeted to the mizzen traveler?
An additional question, of a different sort. We also want to convert from our current mainsail (see thumbnail to left), to a mizzen staysail from the top of the mizzen mast to the base of the main mast, with a furler just like the headsail. This was actually the builder's intended sailplan, but the PO opted for the current rig. We would like to change it back for ease of sail handling - ALL sails on furlers! So, the question is, likewise, could we eliminate the boom that is currently the main boom, and again just sheet the mizzen staysail to the current main traveler that is atop the pilothouse, without the boom? I'd love to get rid of that weight of these two heavy booms! I don't know what impact this would have on sail shape or power, but certainly the genoa is our most powerful sail as currently rigged. But, it is 750 sf, so...I'd appreciate your thoughts.