Jibstay Roller Reefing / Furling Units

[forsailbyowner]

I am a believer in the kiss principal. It takes me 5 minutes to raise both sails out of bags and 10 to bag them. I've been witness to two furling units that failed where the halyard was the only thing that saved the mast. I've been on a boat that was hit by a microburst where jib was unable to be furled and put incredible strain on rig before shredding. And finally like different sails for different occasions have 4 headsails and 2 mains that cover about all conditions. (Why I switched to hank on)

[blahman]

Forsail,

I understand the merit of hank-on sails and, being a young guy, have no problem with them. However, my parents are creeping up in years and my boat's bowsprit makes things a bit tough for them, especially when it's rough. Switching hanked-on sails takes my folks about 30mins all said and done (proper furls, etc), and they have to spend a lot of time out on the sprit for the actual switch. My plan is to install a roller furling system for the yankee and free fly for the genoa or asymmetric, using an outhaul to pull the tack out to the end of the bowsprit. I'd like to rig the boat so as to not need to go on the bowsprit for daily sailing.

Thanks the continuing input!
Aaron

[blahman]

Hey all,

Due to price and responses, I've whittled the options down to Facnor LX, Hood Seafurl-5, or Harken Cruising or IV.

The Harken IV and Facnor are about $1500, while the Harken Cruising and Hood Seafurl-5 are about $1200. All of these seem to have great reviews, though there is less info available about the new Seafurl-5 units. There is also a Furlex 200 on Craigslist which is brand new with all of the stuff for $1200. But since I can't find pricing for Furlex online, I don't know if that is good or bad; seems good considering other's prices.

Also, there is Spin-Tech and Alodo furlers, but there is very little feedback about these gears.

Any more input?

Thanks!
Aaron

[wpcheadle]

Blahman,

I installed the Alado on my 32' last year...liked the personal interaction with the importer, and am more than staisfied with the hardware quality and operation. Could've easily installed it myself, but due to unknown (just nought the boat) age of the rigging, had the headstay replaced by a rigger who helped with the furler install. Overall, took less than an hour after the headstay was up.

[clockwork orange]

I have installed Harken, profurl and most recently an Alado on customers boats.I have got to say,the entire Alado experience from ordering to installing to using was a extremely pleasant experience,i like the way the foil sections assemble better than any other regardless of price and its easy to instal on the boat with the existing forestay,We ordered it over the phone and had it in hand in northern minnesota shipped directly from Brazil in 3 days.The customer is very happy with it after 2 seasons use but as its his first boat he has no basis for comparison.The foil extrusions are outstanding,the drum and head fittings are castings and while the quality is fine they could have used a little more fettleing before anodising,the instructions could be a little clearer but overall i think they are exceptional value and should be maintainance and trouble free.
Steve.
Steve