Roller Reefing Main, not just a furler

[mikelinmon]

The reef must have a good shape, that includes tight outhaul and be flat. Most roller reefers for genoas make the sail too deep. We are going to call this a roller reefing main just to remind us of the goal!

One other hard to reach goal is quick trailering, should not take any longer than a stock boat. We gain two min time by replacing the boom bolt with a fastpin, so we only have two min to install the reefer each time.

We are on our third mockup and have much of this working. The parts are now aluminum and stainless, the main will hoist quickly (better than stock), the reefing is very fast/easy and sail will roll up 3/4ths (last bit is go up on deck and fold). We had to put one full batten in down low and change angle on others, the foot is modified.

The main has same area as before and same shape. Reef shape is not perfect yet, final rollup is not working yet. ou can actually hoist from the cockpit, reef from cockpit. We used boom rails and lazyjacks ( lazyjacks are a lot of extra stuff) and we'll try only a topping lift.

This is going on my raceboat as soon as we modify the main battens. The main is oversized (giant roach and round head with several big battens) and if this works?

[DLT]

Doesn't sound like it rolls into the boom, or does it?

[Rich Walton]

and if this works?... I want one....

[mikelinmon]

Hi,

The present model furls just above the boom. The stock main with modified battens and foot is used. No sail area is lost and shape is good even when reefed to first or 2nd reef point. The stock/modified main will roll all the way up and hoist zip to the top in one easy pull. Plastic parts were used on this prototype and some wear was seen in the furler drum bearing. Back to the drawing board for a stainless steel drum.

We have tried this on a racing main with huge roach ( I mean huge ) and it works OK. Well, almost! The main will reef to the 2nd reef very well but does not furl all the way down. It leaves some third of the sail to hand fold. This option will be ready soon in MacGregor time.
Mike Inmon

[mssydnie]

Mike:

Keep working then post cost to retrofit to 26X...you will get tons of orders! Also read on an old thread that you fashioned a rear arch for the X...is this true?

best regards from one of your 2002 customers.

[Terry]

Mike: Also read on an old thread that you fashioned a rear arch for the X...is this true?

Yea, I heard you did the original arch for the M and Roger copied it, but that yours is more robust. I have the '03 binnacle crutch and would like to get your custom M arch. Is it still available?

[delevi]

If so, please post a pic.

[mikelinmon]

Hi,

We used to put a radar arch on the X and M, but Roger didn't copy it. He made one that cost a lot less to build and was lighter and just as good. (actually better as it was mounted on deck in a reinforced area). It is available for the M only. I have since lost the pattern for the X arch, but I will be at "Railmakers" Thur and will look through their stuff for it.
Mike Inmon

[kziadie]

They Theirs,

I like the way your bimini does not get in the way when folded... however, looking at your second picture with the boom under the bimini am I right in assuming that you can not have it deployed while under sail?

Kelly

[They Theirs]

kziadie
You’re correct Kelly…I posted sometime ago our intension to install a technique to shorten the XL Bimini, allowing the boom to pass on a tack. Were it not for a loss of wheels the top would convert for sailing enough to clear the boom. The extra wide mounting and height provides lots of shade with a clear view all around.

[Frank C]

The "XL bimini" ???
From Cabelas?

[They Theirs]

Frank C

Our Boom Cover, Bimini, and Boot covering the folded Bimini and Arch, all match in color and material. The Bows easily span the beam, the top customized for easy removal, with leather sewn around and Zippers port and starboard allowing the arch through. The Boot secures the Bimini with the Arch, has a fitted opening for the Mast V and roller, a zipper, and six fasteners make the bimini secured for motoring on the water or transport on the hard. On Display at the Boat-Show, we were informed everything was dealer installed.




M Sailing with Standard width Bimini

[kziadie]

I guess everything is a tradeoff. I can sail with mine, but collapsed it either goes right on top of the captain's seat, making transom access (engine/steering access etc.) difficult or right on top of the companionway making cabin access difficult. Cant have it all, but we can keep dreaming...

Kelly

[Boblee]

It is great how these boats lend themselves to all the ingenious mods that have been applied for all uses.
They Theirs
By collapsing the back section of the Bimini against the mast holder would that bring the front back far enough to clear the boom?
Love the extra shade provided by that big Bimini, but where would I mount my solar, GPS aerials, boat hook etc etc, damn guess even on a Mac we have to miss out sometimes

[They Theirs]

Boblee

We considered mounting solar panels atop the Arch with folding radio-antenna, radar-dome. Wanting everything to work with the Bimini. and retain most of the look.