Furler reefing line

[dellboy]

I’m in the process of fitting a Plastimo 608s furler to my Anderson 22. Does anyone how much and what size/type of line I will need to operate the drum? No mention of it in the fitting instructions!
Thanks Nick

 

[wilkinsonsails]

[Minimum would be 6mm ,depends on the size of the sail.
Short LP sail such as Working Jib ,you might manage with 8mm.
Cindy

 

[Wunja]

How about foot length divided by the foil circumference multiplied by the drum circumference plus however much to lead back to the cockpit.
Very approximate as the foil circumference increase as the sail is reefed.

First time I changed the line on my boat I guessed and got it wrong, the second time (later that day) I bought a much longer line!

 

[VicS]

According to Plastimo the drum capacity of a 608 is 13m of 6mm

Do you need the 608 isn't the 406 big enough for the Anderson 22. It will take up to 12m² headsail.

Don't use 3 strand for the furling line. The turns lock them selves together if you do!
Some merit in putting the maximum amount on the drum to give better leverage when furling.

Make sure nothing increases the friction in the furling line unnecessarily.

Take care in positioning the halyard diverter if you use the one mounted on the mast.

Make sure you understand differences, the merits and disadvantages of the "turnbuckle" vs "chain-plate" systems.

 

[Lakesailor]

As Vic says. It's the capacity of the drum that matters, which relates to the foot of the sail. If you put too thick a line on it falls off the drum and jams around the bearing.
As you should be furling head to wind with no pressure on the sail I have always gone for the thinnest line possible. 4mm is fine if the sail is not loaded for a sub 20 ft boat. 13m of 6 mm is more than plenty for a 22ft boat. You couldn't possibly overload the drum. But still aim to leave just 2 or 3 turns on when fully furled, thus allowing plenty of capacity when unfurling.

 

[dellboy]

Thanks chaps, very useful. The Plastimo web site recommends the 608 for boats 6-8m, but I must admit the drum does seem a little large for my wee thing! Added to the fact I brought it second hand, unused and boxed for a very reasonable price
Nick

 

[VicS]

Thanks chaps, very useful. The Plastimo web site recommends the 608 for boats 6-8m, but I must admit the drum does seem a little large for my wee thing! Added to the fact I brought it second hand, unused and boxed for a very reasonable price
Nick

That what I thought about the drum.. The spar itself is, I think, the same just longer with the 608. The halyard swivels are different IIRC

 

[dellboy]

You're right; the swivel is 8mm longer on the 608. I have (and was recommended) the turnbuckle model. To keep the drum as low as possible I am thinking of having the top fitting of the bottle screw up inside the drum and the bottom fitting secured through the 2 turnbuckle arms with a clevis pin. This way I’ll be able to cut 130mm off the bottom of the turnbuckle arms. Can you see any problems with doing it this way, apart from being difficult to adjust the bottle screw?

 

[Giblets]

Make sure you understand differences, the merits and disadvantages of the "turnbuckle" vs "chain-plate" systems.

Care to elucidate, Vic?