solent clown
RIP
Next task as we get the mast and rigging set up is to convert jib to roller furler. Is there an easy way to do this ourselves, or is it a sailmaker only task?
hank to roller jib conversion
- Thread starter solent clown
- Start date
earlybird
Well-Known Member
An old Plastimo reefing system that I once had could be DIY fitted and had plastic sliders that took conventional foresail hanks. That worked OK but didn't give the luff padding that's supposed to be beneficial for sail shape. For that, sailmaking skills would be needed.
Don't know if Plastimo still market that system, I've an idea that their design is now based on a luff-rope of specific diameter, again requiring sailmaking work if an existing sail is to be modified.
Don't know if Plastimo still market that system, I've an idea that their design is now based on a luff-rope of specific diameter, again requiring sailmaking work if an existing sail is to be modified.
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Poignard
Well-Known Member
If you google Kiwi Slides you'll find a possible solution
Tranona
Well-Known Member
You don't say whether you have the furling gear or not. Sails can be converted, usually by recutting the luff and installing the correct size luff tape to suit your luff spar. However the cost of doing this may rule it out, particularly if it is an old baggy sail. Best to take it to a sailmaker for assessment.
solent clown
RIP
I have the furling gear, and wife prefers it, hence the question. I will take the sail to our local sailmaker and have an ask then. Kiwi slides look interesting, might have a try with a spare sail just for experimentation
Tranona
Well-Known Member
You will need to check what size tape your furler uses.
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
You could take a radically different approach. Take the missus out racing in the Solent a few times to reset her definition of 'normal'. Keep the hanked sails until you have the spare budget for furling gear and new sail with luff tape.
However, if you don't like that advice.
Could be a fair bit of work replacing the hanks with luff tape, especially if work needs to be done to the sail (i.e. cut off existing bolt rope perhaps).It cost me £235 about ten years ago to replace a damaged luff tape on an oldish sail, like for like. Sailmaker had a reputation for competitive pricing. It was a 16m luff (so I guess about £15/m). Doubt you get it that cheap in the Solent though.
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Before adjusting the job perhaps worth looking for a second hand sail already designed for the furler. Quite a few sailmaker websites offering second hand sails, and can be open to offers.
We bought a spare jib for winter use, was a good deal
We bought a spare jib for winter use, was a good deal
JVL
Well-Known Member
Take a look at Smartroller.se just might save you a lot of time and money. No connection
John
John
Spirit (of Glenans)
Well-Known Member
The sail will probably have to be radically recut. Hank-on sails are generally made with their foot close to the deck, whereas the roller-furling type have their foot angled upwards, so that the clew rises as the sail is rolled in.
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
Good point. I'd unconciously assumed a below deck furler which probably isn't true. The furling headsail for the OP's boat is likely to have a shorter luff than the hanked on one. Would be worth the OP measuring up the furling gear and the sail.
That's not to say deck-sweeping furling headsails aren't possible (I have one bought from a sailmaker in Portmarnock
).
solent clown
RIP
lots to think about there, that smartroller looks interesting too, maybe I could adapt the plastimo drum to do the same.
I will measure up the sails.
I will measure up the sails.
wilkinsonsails
Well-Known Member
The smart roller looks great as a furling option but I can't see it reefing very well as the top can unroll under tension .
solent clown
RIP
makes sense , thanks for that. I can imagine that would be quite the tangle. Thinking further on the subject, is there any reason I couldnt run a second stay the length of the plastimo furler and use that to hank the sail on?
Poignard
Well-Known Member
While you're here, may I ask what you think of the slug idea; eg Reef Rite?
JVL
Well-Known Member
wilkinsonsails
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the clarification .
Slugs are still available for Plastimo furlers ,luff eyes sometimes can corrode and split out ,when being bent around the foil. Provided they are monitored it's a cheap solution.
Hoisting can be a bit cranky if the slugs are not securely fixed .Luff tension can be a bit odd ,as the sliders push the luff away from the spar .But reefing works once a couple of turns are around the furler .
Slugs are still available for Plastimo furlers ,luff eyes sometimes can corrode and split out ,when being bent around the foil. Provided they are monitored it's a cheap solution.
Hoisting can be a bit cranky if the slugs are not securely fixed .Luff tension can be a bit odd ,as the sliders push the luff away from the spar .But reefing works once a couple of turns are around the furler .
wilkinsonsails
Well-Known Member
Running a second stay behind a furler can cause tandem tension probs .
If you don't intend to use the furler that's fine .Some sail accidents have occurred as a result of the Hank on sail being rolled into the furling sail ��.Primarily when running .
Adding a stay and other attendant fixings (halyard block etc ) usually more hassle ,unless you can set it flying .
If you don't intend to use the furler that's fine .Some sail accidents have occurred as a result of the Hank on sail being rolled into the furling sail ��.Primarily when running .
Adding a stay and other attendant fixings (halyard block etc ) usually more hassle ,unless you can set it flying .
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
Why not ask the sailmaker if he could provide a tape say 25 mm wide with boltrope made to fit the furler. To this he could fit eyelets to take the hanks on the sail. If it was fairly stretchy it would allow the jib to be tensioned & adjusted as required but hold it tight to the foil. This same tape could be eyeleted for any other hanked sails that you may have. you could just colour the eyelets for each individual sail to aid re hanking when changing sails. A length of bolt rope & tape with some correctly positioned eyelets cannot be as expensive as altering the sail. It would hoist with the sail & the halyard would fix to the sail with a lashing to the top of the tape/sail to hold it in line with the sail. The sail was never made for reefed use anyway so that would not matter
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solent clown
RIP
OK, that has helped a lot, stupid idea of mine, lol. Thank heavens for these forums and experienced people there to offer advice. Sounds like slugs are the way to go.