Self-Furling Sails

[Portland]

Unfortunately , arthritis is limiting the sailing I'm getting on my current boat , so I'm in the market for a new one , that I can set up for ease of sailing.
I use self furling headsails now , and they are great , but not all that reliable.
Can anyone advise what is considered the most reliable self furler for headsails.
Getting the main up (and down) , and reefing.
I'm using a gaff rig now , and although I really love it , its tough on arthritic hands.
On the next boat I'd like to use a RELIABLE self furling main setup.
What style ?.
What maker ?.
There is a cruiser here set up with a mainsail that rolls around the boom (not inside the boom) , and that has proven reliable , for an old bloke single handing.
I'm looking for something that gives ease of handling , and that is reliable.
Regards Rob J.

[speciald@ocens.]

I have cardiac problems that limit my tolerance for exertion. My current boat has an electric furler for the head sail, electric winches for the genoa sheets, a LeisureFurl boom with power winch for raising and furling the mainsail, power assisted staysail furling, and an Autoanchor for the chain anchor rode. I sail my 65,000 pound boat single handed with no problem. Unfortunately, this equipment costs money - probably multiples of the cost of your boat. A single power winch or the new winch wrench (basically a rechargeable power drill with gearing) may be all you need to raise and lower your main and furl and sheet your headsail.

[Portland]

Thanks for that , I had a look at the Leisure Furl video , very impressive !.
Regards Rob J.

[Portland]

I've been trying to find something on a winch wrench on the internet , all I seem to get is stuff on a "winch wench".
One of those might be good too , but for now I'd like to find more info on a winch wrench.
Regards Rob J.

[speciald@ocens.]

Don't remember where I saw it on the web but it looked like a battery powered electric drill with a right angle drive and some sort of fabric cover. I'll try to find it. There was an earlier device that was much larger and plugged into the boats 12v. system.

[speciald@ocens.]

Found it!

WinchRite Cordless Electric Winch Drive - In Stock MAY! [2256] - $549.00 : Seafaring Ship's Store, Latitudes & Attitudes

[Portland]

Thanks for that !.
Its not long since the electrician upgraded the electrics on my boat.
He left me with a portable electric drill that he converted to 12v , and a long enough cord that I can use it anywhere on the boat , plugging it in to 1 of 2 bayonet connectors he provided .
I guess I could set that up to work the winches too.
Not as fancy as the "winchrite" , but I already have it , may as well use it.
Thanks for your trouble finding it (winchrite) though , much appreciated.
Regards Rob J.