FF2 furler experiences

[elk]

Someone asked me if I had an FF2 and how I liked it. I don't have one but plan on it before winter's end. Nevetheless I think it's a good question for the forum..along with these others;

What do you like about your FF2?

What don't you like?

Would you do it again?

What modifications have to be made to the boat/sail(assuming stock Mac hardware).

What is the overall cost, including the FF2?

I actually think the mods query is the most important becase it'll help me understand how much work/cost is involved. So if you don't want to answer the rest, please answer that one.

Thanks,

[Catigale]

Ed ..Stephen here

I like My FF2 on our it makes handling the 150 genny a snap.

I went for the Torlon bearing upgrade, and also put it on a quick release lever for easy rigging (see Mods)

WIth the genny, the only problem is getting the line set so that you have enough line to furl the whole thing in, but not so many wraps that you overfill the spool. Ive found seven wraps with the sail furled in is the right number for how I tension the sail, if I deviate more than 3 in either direction I run out/too much furler line.

Upgrade the bullseye to harken Miniblocks...this lowers the furling force a lot. Make sure the first block catches the furler line at a clean entry angle into the furler body, and make sure it doesnt catch the edge of the drum

I never rely on the furler line to hold the sail in at dock - I put three sailties on the furler including one through the clew eye.

...are you the same Ed who recently helped someone move a boat from MD btw???

[elk]

Gee... I wish I was the one to help move that boat, I love moving(sailing boats) for buddies, I do it at least once a year across Buzzard's Bay, soooo much fun.

Thanks for your informed answers, it really helps to get info like yours, it saves us time, money and effort, something that no one I know has an abundance of.

It's too bad you're the only one on this list that has any experience to share. But it's all good, even if it's a negative experience.

Let's go peeps, pipe up!

BTW, we need an icon for the 26S, I bet I'm not the only one that thinks so.

[Frank C]

IMO, the relative merits of the FF2 depend on where you are sailing. It is well-suited for a Mac 26X where average wind speeds < 12 kn. It enables you to fly the Genoa horsepower you need in lighter winds while also protecting you from being unsafely overpowered when conditions are more brisk or gusty. (I have no experience or opinion regarding the FF2 on any other Macs).

But when "average" wind speeds exceed 12 kn (e.g. SF Bay), I would prefer the simple hank-on jib for several reasons:

• 1. There's rarely any need to reef a jib. It nicely balances the main at 12 knots of wind.
  2. It also nicely balances the reefed main in higher wind speeds.
  3. Dropping the jib is as simple as yanking on a downhaul.
  4. When winds are 8 to 12, the jibbed boat will clearly be disadvantaged for sailing speed, but still provides some sail trimming challenge.
  5. (and if winds are below 8 knots, I'd rather be motoring)

Concluding then, my experience indicates that the FF2 will serve you well if your normal sailing area dictates Genoa horsepower. But since I generally find average winds in the higher ranges, the Genoa is usually more sail than I need, and the furler more weight during mast raising, more effort than necessary.

On Edit:
this post had briefly included an offer to sell my headsail rig, FF2, jib & UK tapedrive Genoa, but I changed my mind. If, or when, I change my mind again, I'll post the details on Heath's Classified page.