roller furling or reefing heasails.

[Guest]

Could someone enlighten me on advertised roller furling and reefing systems.Does as the name implies for the former only furl.I'm looking for a reliable system to reduced sail changing trips to the fordeck in bad weather.Any recommendations of a good make?

 

[Guest]

Roller reefing is when the size of the foresail can be reduced to different sizes to suit sailing conditions. Furling is where the jib can be either fully out or fully rolled up and not used in any intermediate position.

 

[Guest]

After obtaining quotes and spec from most makers I have just fitted a Plastimo roller reefing. Seemed to be the best price + 5 yr guarantee. They offered excellent advice and the option to return any bits I found I didn't need, delivery was next day, easy to fit and it works!!! Saves gettting wet feet on a rough day. ( No I don't work for them!, just very impressed with the unit)

 

[Guest]

Will they reef on any point of sailing as a rule as I've seen one that needed all the wind spilling before it would roll up, is this normal or was it possibly defective......

 

[Guest]

I'm no expert on the subject but from experience it depends very much on the strength of wind, after all you have to haul in the headsail via the rope on the drum, (I have a 5mm rope) but this will depend on the size of the drum on the gear you fit. If its blowing you will need to let the sheets off, so as not to over strain the gear, but always retain some tension to get a neater roll.

 

[Guest]

The problem I found with the Plastimo system was when I wanted to change the forestay. Mine had been pop riveted and is bwas pig to dismantle it. Use SS self tappers to hold it all together.

 

[Guest]

Best of the lot is ...

Reef-Rite which utilises slides and a down-loader.