Furler

[Compromise]

Does anyone have any experience with a Hood Seaflex on the Mac?
At $389 it seems like a good price, but sometimes you get what you pay for! They also said the standard jib on the X could be modified to fit. My boat did not come equipped with a furler and I think it may be time.
Appreciate any feedback on this one or if you know of something better.

[Frank C]

Sorry, no info on your direct question, but two other comments:

First, I've always kinda favored the features in the Schaefer SnapFurlers. They're more costly though, maybe $500 for the model 500 (#5 luff tape), maybe $800 for the heavier model 700 (#6 luff tape). The latter could accept existing Mac furler sails.

Second, just noticed a ad for a new Facnor Furler for small boats, pricing unknown. The nice feature on this one ... it uses a continuous line-on-wheel for furling AND for reefing. This differs from traditionally available wheel-furlers, which could not be used for reefing. The wheel-furler means no worries about the drum spool filling unevenly or jamming. Assuming the wheel is grippy enough to furl and reef reliably, it's an important benefit, IMO.

[Compromise]

Second, just noticed a ad for a new Facnor Furler for small boats, pricing unknown. The nice feature on this one ... it uses a continuous line-on-wheel for furling AND for reefing. This differs from traditionally available wheel-furlers, which could not be used for reefing. The wheel-furler means no worries about the drum spool filling unevenly or jamming. Assuming the wheel is grippy enough to furl and reef reliably, it's an important benefit, IMO.

Mmm, I was not aware of this feature being available.
I'll look into pricing on it. Thanks for the info.

[Frank C]

The wheel-furler has been available for a long time, but mainly for big assyms. These are only furled, never reefed. I don't understand what factors weigh on the distinctions.

I recall that either Harken or Schaefer also offers a wheel-furler, though specifically denying that it's appropriate for reefing. Clearly we need both reefing & furling on a Mac's headsail. A Mac owner posted here, long ago, that he used it for reefing anyhow, in spite of the mfg warning.

Facnor has just released the new product - price unknown - saw an advert in latest Sail or Sailing mag, center pages. Skimming their webpages (excerpted below) though, I'm guessing it is very expensive, prolly targeted at big boats.

From racing to cruising with the RC furler
= = => The “Future Furler” allows sailors to reef headsails quickly and safely using the same innovative system used by single-handed and multihull ocean racing yachts. The continuous line system eliminates the possibilty of drum over-rides with a single loop of line operating a large diameter drum.
= = => The drum is specially designed to tightly grip the furling line and has more turning power than traditional furling units. It is fitted with fair leads and a stainless steel line guide that securely hold the line onto the drum even in the roughest conditions. The low, flat design keeps the jib tack close to the deck and allows for the longest possible luff length, which is ideal for racing. The furling drum can be retrofitted to most existing Facnor furling units and is easy to install.

ETA:
seems to me that the torsion imparted by a line-on-drum versus a continuous line is immaterial ... both the wheel and the drum must twist the luff foil, into which wind forces are transferred.

[Chip Hindes]

Almost certainly, it's not appropriate for reefing beause it cannot withstand torsion. If it's used only fully furled or fully unfurled, there's no torsional loading on the luff or the drum. A partially furled sail, on the other hand, is held only at the base, and all the sail loading tries to twist the luff and the drum. Those loads can be pretty high, and could break the luff or the drum if it's not designed to handle them.

[ALX357]

... the standard FF2 furler, is it only rated for furling and not reefing ?

[adm]

According to CDI web page it is rated for both:

http://www.sailcdi.com/welcome.htm
http://www.sailcdi.com/faqrpage.htm