continuous line jib furling on a gaff cutter

[john williams]

Hi
My boat is a traditional looking 28ft Gaff Cutter with a flying jib set on a wooden bowsprit by means of a traveller.
I am considering ditching the Wykekam martin furler for a continuous line system. Has anyone any recommendations and tips etc. The jib has a wire luff.
Many thanks

 

[FWB]

Why do you want to change it?
I have gaffer with furler on the jib, not WM but same principle. Works well for me.
Not criticism, just curious as to the problem.

 

[PetiteFleur]

The only continuous line furler I know is Sailspar in Brightlingsea - have just gone into administration but have been taken over by a sister company. Excellent piece of kit, but do fit a clutch on the furling side of the continuous line, either a Rutgerson or Spinlock who both do a version that the side comes off to insert the line. MUCH easier than trying to get it around a cleat. Not sure how it would work just with a wire luff, they usually have the usual aluminium spar that the sail is fed up. Call them, they are very helpful.

 

[john williams]

Hi
I've had problems in the past with the line overspilling the drum and jamming . People tell me it's a better solution to have a continuous line but they all seem to be for high tech boats - no travellers etc.
Unfortunately sail spar don't do one for this configuration anymore. That is wire luff .
Thanks for your comments

 

[FWB]

I have a Heard28. A friend had one too and couldn't get on with the WM type reefing on the jib so he fitted a continuous system. It was still awkward for him. He hadnt got the original single line WM type set up properly. Mine works perfectly. The trick at the mast head is to make a triangle so that the wire in the luff can't twist, also to have a good fairlead for the bottom drum and then as few as possible guides aft.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The only continuous line furler I know is Sailspar in Brightlingsea - have just gone into administration but have been taken over by a sister company. Excellent piece of kit, but do fit a clutch on the furling side of the continuous line, either a Rutgerson or Spinlock who both do a version that the side comes off to insert the line. MUCH easier than trying to get it around a cleat. Not sure how it would work just with a wire luff, they usually have the usual aluminium spar that the sail is fed up. Call them, they are very helpful.

Obviously might not fit for you, but i just have a simple cam cleat, rather than a clutch.

 

[john williams]

Thanks for these replies.
I've set up the triangle you describe at the masthead, and does seem to work - but not tested much yet.
That furler on the heard 28 ( handsome craft! ) seems to be caged - what make is it?
Thanks

 

[FWB]

Sorry I'm not on the boat at present and can't remember what make the furler is, possibly Harken. It's 14 years old so perhaps different models these days. Will report back but many similar types are available.

 

[Bob Stay]

Hi
I've had problems in the past with the line overspilling the drum and jamming . People tell me it's a better solution to have a continuous line but they all seem to be for high tech boats - no travellers etc.
Unfortunately sail spar don't do one for this configuration anymore. That is wire luff .
Thanks for your comments

Hello I have a WM furler, not on a traveller but fixed.
It's a rope furling line except for the bit which wraps on the drum, which is wire. It works very well, after a bit of experimentation to get the right number of turns.
Wire will cure your overspilling problems.