Plastimo Roller Furling

[basic]

A friend just installed Plastimo 811s on his 9metre 3.5ton yacht. He is very happy with it. This gear is supposed to be for boats up to 11metres with 7mm forestay but I remember they used to say up to 3.5tons.
My Barbican 33 is 10 metres but around 5.5tons. Has anyone fitted the 811 to a boat fo this weight and if so are they happy with the result.I am really impressed by the price. Here in France I can buy for a little over 600euros. and the gear looks fine. May not have the fancy stainless bits others sport but what the heck.

 

[saltylegs]

I have the 811s on a Sigma 33 disp. about 4.2t but I have not really tried it as a reef system I tend to think of it more as a furler, although after 3 years use I have never had a problem.

 

[Caer Urfa]

I have had my old Plastimo 608 furler for 10 years now and sail all year round many times well below zero and in heavy weather.

I also use the Genoa regular as a reefing genoa as it's surprising how well and fast you can go with just a reefed Genoa.

Boats a CW 23'-6" but displacement is 5 ton, all rigging 6mm ss.

I have read some problems with Plastimo furlers which I think many times is maybe lack of use or maybe poor maintenance, I wash my drum regular with fresh water after a trip offshore plus I use it almost every weekend and very happy with it.

Mike

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I have the 810 on a 5 tonne boat from many years, no problems at all

 

[basic]

Thanks Guys.

 

[Searush]

I fitted a Plastimo furler on my 10m Pentland (about 5 ton deadweight) about 1989 & it is still going strong.

There is a snag halfway up the foil where one of the plastic inserts has been damaged, but a couple of tugs up & down will usually get the head board past the damage. It could do with a bit of hot water over the bottom bearings this year, but not bad for the price after 25 years.

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

I have it on my HR Rasmus at 10.5 metres and circa 6 ton

I discussed it with them and they say tonnage is a guidance.

The sail plan is more bias to a larger main but no problems to date

Bear in mind there are some 3.5 ton yachts with enormous genoas out there which may cause a problem I guess.

I think sail area and furling load is the greatest issue / risk rather than boat weight

 

[Strathglass]

I have a 450 sq ft Genoa on my 33ft yacht (Contention 33) . As a precaution I went for the Plastimo 1012T. (current price over £1.8k).

I first used it five years ago and have the same problem occur twice.

The first time was in heavy weather in the North Sea the top swivel seized and would not turn. The sail was not fully out so I couldn't drop the sail and had to manually wind the sail around the foil while bouncing up and down at the bow. The plastic balls needed cleaned and I managed to do a temporary fix in Lossiemouth bud did succeed in dropping some into the depths. I did a proper repair when I got home.

Since then I have religiously hosed down the assembly each winter. This season that has not been adequate as when I first fitted the Genoa it would not turn after the first couple of feet had been rolled in. I again had to strip and clean the top swivel. Having done it before I has a bit better luck with the plastic balls.

Other than the two occasions quoted it has behaved fine.