Barton or RWO Furling

[m1taylor]

I am looking the simplest/cheapest way to add a jib furling system to my small 17ft trailer sailer. Being a abit of a dunce with rigging, I am not sure how the cheapest systems, such those from Barton and RWO actually are fitted, and work. These are systems which seem to be just two components - a top furler swivel and a bottom furler drum. Has anyone fitted either of the barton or rwo parts? Is it easy, and was it worth it?

 

[Grajan]

NEITHER OF THESE TWO SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED FOR REEFING . PLASTIMO MANUFACTURE A SMALL REEFING UNIT THAT WOULD FIT YOUR BOAT

 

[VicS]

I would expect either of these system to be suitable if it is just a furling system that you want. I don't know your headsail area but I imagine that the smaller version of either would be adequate.

However I notice that RWO offer a drum suitable for a continuous (or endless) line system and also a range of top fittings that include forestay guides.

As Grajan has said so loudly you'll find a Plastimo system if it is reefing you are after.

The difference between the furling and reefing systems is that the former simply rolls the sail up when you have finished with it. Handy when mooring anchoring etc., while the latter rolls the sail onto a rigid tubular spar and can be used to reduce sail area as well as furling it totally. Reefing systems are popular as they allow just one sail to be used for all wind strengths and thus avoid the need for the foredeck work involved in changing to different sized sails as well as providing permanent stowage for the sail. You might need to have the sail modified to fit on a reefing spar.

 

[Spars]

Nicely explained instead of CAPITAL LETTERS with no explanation!

 

[m1taylor]

Many thanks for that - it is just furling I want, so that's helpful. Where does the bottom drum attach to though? I can see that the Plastimo reefing/furling system fits over the forestay - not sure though how the furling only system is attached?

 

[Grajan]

My Apologies for capitals, didn,t notice that my caps lock was on!!

 

[alan_d]

I always use the preview post facility. It has saved me from all sorts of embarrassment.

Alan

 

[alan]

The bottom drum needs to be fixed to a strong point on your bow/deck. When used with spi/gin/MPG/Code0 e.t.c they are usually attached in some way to the stem head (might need some sort of extension) or to a bow sprit.

Alan.