Furling boom

[dcondit]

I try not to take the tragic examples and generalize them to the common. Can in-boom furlers jam? Yes. Can in-mast furlers jam? Sure. Can slab-reef sails jam? Absolutely. In fact, here's me being hoisted up the sail in 25+ knots of wind because a batten busted through the sail on a slab-reef system and jammed on the spreader.





I've sailed with in-boom, in-mast, and slab reef systems extensively. There are lots of variables, and for me it depends on the boat and system.

[derfy]

Originally Posted by dcondit

I try not to take the tragic examples and generalize them to the common. Can in-boom furlers jam? Yes. Can in-mast furlers jam? Sure. Can slab-reef sails jam? Absolutely. In fact, here's me being hoisted up the sail in 25+ knots of wind because a batten busted through the sail on a slab-reef system and jammed on the spreader.


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I've sailed with in-boom, in-mast, and slab reef systems extensively. There are lots of variables, and for me it depends on the boat and system.

I agree. They all work, and all can fail. A boat the size of a CNB 66 with a 100 ft mast - well, a powered furler system is the only realistic option - and in-boom is definitely preferable. Nothing else would sell. Nobody wants to reef a full batten main on a 100 ft mast.

However, the OP was considering single-handing a new 44 ft monohull and how to equip it. Which would you recommend?

Although I have sailed other boats, larger and smaller, I own and single-hand a 44' sloop. I suggested the criteria of being able to reef while sailing off wind. It's why I like what I have, and I didn't hear anyone else mention it.