Cost of in mast reefing

[AntarcticPilot]

But there's no reason a conventional sail can't come down that quick - after all, unlike the roller you have gravity assisting you. A bit of work to remove any excess friction on the halyard, make sure the sail slides move freely (either silicone furniture polish or specialist dry rig lubricants can help), and perhaps some lazyjacks to gather up the sail instead of dropping it all over the deck.

Pete

Yes, but then you've got a mass of sail on deck, restricting movement. Certainly if I dropped my mainsail in 15 seconds, I wouldn't be able to work on deck on one side or the other. Even a rough furl extends the time required significantly, and of course requires someone on deck, which I gather the OP is trying to avoid. Of course, Lazy Jacks and a stack-pack would be an answer to this, but not a cost-free one; a stack-pack could be a significant cost.

PS! Oops - that will teach me to read possts properly. Sorry - you already mentioned l;azy jacks and a stack pack.

 

[SHUG]

Avoid the expense of single-line reefing as it can be plagued by frictional problems.
Better to have a simple twin line system on the outside of the boom and a stack pack

 

[vyv_cox]

Avoid the expense of single-line reefing as it can be plagued by frictional problems.
Better to have a simple twin line system on the outside of the boom and a stack pack

So far as cost is concerned it is very doubtful whether there is any difference between a single and twin line system. The single line needs a balance block but the twin needs more line and maybe more blocks.

Friction can be a problem on poorly installed systems but by using decent blocks, thinner Dyneema pennants and sensible routing it can be minimised. I have been using a single line system for well over 20 years now, and probably sailing well above the average number of days per year. I have no complaints about my system that has never failed to function as required.