The previous owner of my Hunter 26 had a device called a Wind Bully. This device looks something like a cross between a automobile shock absorber and a small pneumatic door closer (see attached photo). Its overall length is 12 inches. It attaches inline between the mainsheet and mainsheet tackle. It supposed to be stiff enough to not extend out during normal wind, but will "stretch" out up to 8 inches during a sudden gust, then return back to its retracted position. It also is supposed to help during an accidental jibe. When I bought the boat, the device was already damaged during a tropical storm while on the hard. After a long search, I was able to contact the developer about 2 years ago. He said I had his only model and it was not designed for a boat over 22 feet but he was working on a larger heftier version. He said he would let me test his prototype when he developed it. I haven't heard from him since and emails go undelivered. In theory, this device sounded like a good idea, especially for water-ballasted boats. Does anybody have any knowledge of this or similar products? BrianW
