With or without a jib roller

[eranb2]

Hi,

I have a 30 feet sailing boat and the jib is "rotostay".
20 years old.

I need to replace it and new cost about 1000 pounds.

is it a good idea to remove it?
the boat is small , and reefing even 30% is damaging the sail
, can't go to the wind .

What do you think , can I remove it or not?

Eran.

 

[graham]

If you remove it you will then need at least 2 or 3 sails to replace the furling genoa you previously had.

The cost will be about the same as buying a new roller genoa and furling system.

A new well made furler genoa will set much better than your old worn out one.In the UK the vast majority of cruising boats have roller furling headsdails.

 

[Evadne]

I've always sailed with hanked-on foresails on my 29 foot boat, and you only really need two "normal" sails and a third one for heavy weather. Two forestays (both to the stem) makes life easier, and it's cheaper and simpler than roller reefing. I know I'm in the minority: looking around any anchorage or marina you'll see most larger boats have roller reefing so it must work ok, but it isn't the only method. You pays your money and takes your choice.

 

[Poignard]

My Rotostay is very old but good for many years yet. I had it overhauled by Rotomarine 10 years ago and this year I did it myself. They are very easy to work on apart from seperating the sections of foil, which seize together. Even if you were unable to seperate the foils and had to cut them off, replacements are available [from XW Rigging, Gosport].

I had a genoa made by Arun Sails Ltd and it sets surprisingly well when furled, despite not having a foam pad in the luff

 

[Salty John]

I couldn't agree more. We cruised for years with hanked on sails; a drifter for very light air, a genoa, a working jib and a storm jib. My present boat will have a genoa with reef points taking it from 155% to around 120%. I had roller-reefing on two boats and I'm quite happy to go back to hanked on sails.
If you are comfortable working a boat from the deck rather than the cockpit hanked-on sails are fine. If you're a bit wary of the foredeck then rollerfurling headsails are the choice.

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi,

I have a 30 feet sailing boat and the jib is "rotostay".
20 years old.

I need to replace it and new cost about 1000 pounds.

is it a good idea to remove it?
the boat is small , and reefing even 30% is damaging the sail
, can't go to the wind .

What do you think , can I remove it or not?

Eran.

[/ QUOTE ]

For a Rotostay to need replacing - it must be really bad !!

You could if really need to remove Rotostay go for a Plastimo system cheaper and using still original stay etc.

But is Rotostay not serviceable ??

If you do want Hank-on traditional sails - suggest you e-mail or telephone Seateach and other 2nd-hand sail places - amazing sails available ... most as new and excellent value ...

I have no connection to Seateach or other - only as happy customer for sails in past ...