What would you do if your in mast furling stuck.

[Pete7]

So come on now Robin, don't hold back, tell us what you really think of inmast reefing

Somewhat sceptical at first, I now think it's superb for cruising folk and if we ever change the boat it is one feature I will be looking for.

Pete

 

[Poignard]

Then throw it in the nearest bin and organise a proper slab reefing system with a proper sail, even if that meant a new mast as well.

Which is what a friend of mine did, and what I would do if I ever bought a boat fitted with it.

 

[Robin]

So come on now Robin, don't hold back, tell us what you really think of inmast reefing

Somewhat sceptical at first, I now think it's superb for cruising folk and if we ever change the boat it is one feature I will be looking for.

Pete

OK then, I think it is excellent...... for those who like motoring around, with the sails up mainly for a visual effect or to reduce the fuel bill a tad.

I could go on...

Just joking.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Having sailed with both I've had jams on in-mast furling and problems with slab reefing requiring me to go onto the coach roof when I'd really rather stay in the cockpit.

As already mentioned I too have only ever had jams when unfurling, never when reducing sail. The golden rule is if it starts to stick, stop pulling. Another trick which works on old baggy sails is...

If the sail is wound so that it exits on the starboard side of the slot, then un-furl on starboard tack. The pressure of the sail will prevent any loose furls being picked up and jammed in the slot.

On slab reefing it is the reducing sail bit that has a tendency to go pear shaped (in my experience), flapping lines getting snagged, things not going quite where they should and requiring attention to tidy it all up.

In balance I prefer in-mast for it's convenience, I don't race and I avoid bad weather where possible.

My new boat has selden in-mast and I have every intention of keeping it.

 

[Vara]

My in mast reefing jammed going in today, after reading this post I was about to arm myself with bosuns chair,chain saw, knives assorted and hacksaw. Then I noticed that I was standing on the outhaul tail. Whoops.

In the past I have not been a fan of inmast furling, but having used it for three years I'm now a convert. All work done from safety of cockpit, no messing about with sail covers, ties, etc etc. Have managed some good passage times, but then with a battened maxi roach sail the sail area penalty isn't that great.

Main benefits to me, easy to cast off and go, much quicker from tying up to first beer, contantly variable reefing, and IME not to difficult too shape sail.

 

[Leighb]

I have had in-mast furling for a number of years now, I was quite uncertain when we bought the boat, but we thought let's give it a try before we throw the whole lot away.

After some initial difficulties caused by a totally knackered 30 year old sail, we have never - yet - had a jam.

On a number of occasions there has been a sudden reluctance to furl. It has always been caused by my failure to fully release the outhaul jammer.

I can nearly always furl and unfurl using hands only, the winch is rarely needed and if it seems difficult I always check to see what I am doing wrong.

 

[TeamSpirit]

Have experienced furling jams a few times, the worst by far was when the sail number delaminated enroute sticking the sail together. Bosuns chair and knife job.
Have never been unable to resolve and has usually been due to my failure to effective roll in with some tension.