450: Leisure Furl on Lagoon 450?

[DavefromNZ]

Later today I will add a list of everything I can recall about installation and tips for use. I have covered a few already above. Cheers.

[Pascal]

Originally Posted by DavefromNZ

Ok, a teething problem with the upper vang being a little weak ;-) but a stronger one being put on and I will try to get some video when out next week. The sail was up at the time but still easy to reef down using the topping lift and mainsheet to get the correct boom angle. Attachment 93215


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Hi Dave, how did this exactly happen? Shouldn´t you always use the topping lift and the mainsheet for trimming / flattening the sail rather than the "fragile" vang? Couldn´t it be that the pressure on the vang is too big and could even damage the mast? On a mono the boat would heel in a gust so there is no problem for trimming the sail with the vang but on a cat? I am asking you because I am planning to install the same furling system like you on my new Lagoon 450 F in September :-) So if you have any tips for installation and use, I would really love to get them!

[DavefromNZ]

Hi,

The cause was actually nothing to do with the Leisure Furl. The rigger had built the vang incorrectly so that it actually bottomed out and so I was simply crushing it as I pulled the vang line in. We had a better one built that had a longer lower support and more movement, and no problem since. I don't generally use the vang like it would be used on a monohull, maybe just in a lighter wind to steady the boom. The sail is flattened by furling just a little as it pulls and flattens from the centre of the boom (mandrel).

My chief suggestion at this stage is to get the attachment height on the mast correct. Mine should be maybe 40mm higher as in a rolling swell and light winds the boom can just hit my bimini. I use the topping lift to support it and best is to use a preventer to keep the boom from slamming.

The L450 mast has quite a few degrees rake aft. 87 degrees is quoted and aim for that. However not as critical as you would think. I have only ever had problems with the sail moving forward on the boom when furling. This happens if the boom is too low, and/or there is any pressure on the sail. If I raise the boom when furling it prevents this and I have never even seen it try to move too far aft.

I still maintain that of all the improvements I have made on Magique this is by far the best for safety and to get more sailing done.
Keep in touch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHYiGH3QTTs

Cheers
Dave