Plastimo 608 furler

[Ardenfour]

Manufacturer recommends a max boat size of 8m for this. Mine's is 8.8m. So what are the consequences, presumably the whole thing wont fall apart in the first stiff breeze, but I'm unclear about the differences as one moves up the range. Is it the bearings, only come into play when the sail is rolled or unrolled. The drum stores the line. The foils seem similar throughout the range. I imagine the greatest force is in strong wind with the sail partially reefed.
Can't afford new gear, and there seems to be a few second hand 608 systems around, but is it asking for trouble?

 

[underdog]

The Plastimo 609S is suitable for use with headsails up to 25 square meters,
I suspect the 608 is for a similar size

 

[Kelpie]

One limit is the length of line that will fit on the drum, which relates to the length of the genoa's foot.

 

[Tam Lin]

One limit is the length of line that will fit on the drum, which relates to the length of the genoa's foot.

But, the thinner the line, the more you can get on!

 

[Kelpie]

You have to decide how thin a line you are willing to accept.
Like many things, this one falls into the category of "how long is a piece of string"

 

[VicS]

Manufacturer recommends a max boat size of 8m for this. Mine's is 8.8m. So what are the consequences, presumably the whole thing wont fall apart in the first stiff breeze, but I'm unclear about the differences as one moves up the range. Is it the bearings, only come into play when the sail is rolled or unrolled. The drum stores the line. The foils seem similar throughout the range. I imagine the greatest force is in strong wind with the sail partially reefed.
Can't afford new gear, and there seems to be a few second hand 608 systems around, but is it asking for trouble?

Installation instructions, dimensions and parts lists etc for the older types of Plastimo furling gear can be found on Bluemoment at http://www.bluemoment.com/manuals/plastimo_s_series_roller_reefing.pdf

You should be able to at least determine the differences between the 608 and 810 models.

You should establish the availability of spar sections if you are likely to want to lengthen it to suit a longer forestay/ luff length and also of any other parts that may need replacing.

 

[Searush]

I have used a Plastimo RR on a marginally larger boat without problems, it was a 406 on a 25 footer - much depends on how you use it. You can see when it is getting stressed by the load on the sail, simply ease it off & reef a bit more. I suspect you aren't a serious racer & a few seconds spent reefing earlier or a tad more won't ruin your trip.

I may even have a 609 on SR which is a 32 footer, but I can't remember. Her main mast is short because she is a ketch, but she still weighs in at about 7 ton & the genny I have is off the sloop version anyway.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I would tend to go for the next size up. Plastimo are at the budget end of the spectrum anyway.

 

[Ardenfour]

thanks vicS for that link, the only differences would appear to be the bearings material and minor drum details - the foils are common throughout the range.