Submitted on August 7, 2006 by Fran Yates

Question: Dear North Sails,

I have a 1989 Aft Cockpit Bristol 41 that came with an in-Boom Reefing system. Because he constantly had a jamming problem, the original owner removed the in -boom reefing and restored the main to a stack pack. Can you give me your recommendation as to the best choice for a reefing system for this boat and what mast or boom manufacturers I should consider? My main consideration is safety and ease of handling but still want the boat to handle well.

While you are at it please give me your recommendation for head sail furling . The boat currently has an older reefing system but on recent trip up from Florida where I purchased the boat,the system would often jam unless we were careful of keeping tension on as we set the sail. Cost is not so much a factor as i expect to keep the boat for some time. I do sail the boat a lot but most of the sailing is coastal sailing.
After your recommendation on reefing I would also like to talk about sails.

Thanks
Fran

Answer: Dear Dr. Yates,

Thank you for your email, I will do my best to offer up a few solutions for your questions.

In terms of the Mainsail “Reefing” system, I’m thinking you are looking for an in-boom furling system for the sail. As opposed to single line reefing arrangement on a conventional boom. The Leisure Furl Boom is a much respected system in the industry. The system can be easily installed to your existing mast. The Leisure Furl boom will still allow you to have total sail handling and shape control of your Mainsail. The system will also enable you to keep the sail area in your roach, so you won’t be giving up and performance.

In terms of the Headsail furler, it sounds like you have the potential of two problems. The first which is the easiest to fix, is halyard wrap. If you have wire halyards and the sail is a little short of full hoist, the halyard can have the ability to wrap around the headstay while you are trying to roll it up. This will cause the furler to be problematic and not furl easily. If you are being forced to put the furling line on a winch then there is a problem. You should never have to winch the sail in or out. The other problem I have seen with some furlers that are 15 year or older, is that the inner workings of the bottom unit are rusting. Furlers that are newer have Torlon or nylon ball bearings, so rust is not a problem. I recommend Harken Roller Furlers to most of my clients, the systems are easy to adapt to your rig, their construction is paramount, and ease of furling is impressive. I have found with both Mainsail and Headsail furling systems, you get what you pay for. Each of these systems are well worth the investment. They will provide safe sail handling for many seasons.

I’d be happy to go deeper with any questions you have, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Eric Baldwin
North Sails, Maine

Email North Sails with your question today!

Go BACK to Solutions for Sailors Main Page.