Furler boom

[Colin Oslo]

Hi,
Evaluating to change from conventional boom to a furler boom - despite cost.
Have North 3di Endurance sails, pretty stiff stuff, assume rolling on a furler would be a good way to keep these beatutiful sales.

Appriciate thoughts comments, from some one with real experiene with the solution. (we have some concerns of wear and tear, if this is an issue on luff in the mast track), other general problems /issues.

Changing to a Lazy bag is also an option, but this would be a bulky bag on top of the boom.

Cheers - Colin

[sailormed]

“Despite costs”.....yes very expensive option. You will probably have to modify your sails for use on a boom roller system. Doable I think with your existing sails. Modifications would be minor, but sail shape could be different,strictly horizontal battens etc...

[Colin Oslo]

tks,
yes, current sails are full batten,sails would need to be modified.
Colin

[bstreep]

We have one on our boat. Fortunately, it was on the boat when we bought it. It's probably about a $30K option now.



Yes, you will have to have your mainsail modified. The luff has to move back and forth a bit (like a fishing reel) to keep it from piling up. Also, it requires a rigid vang. And the boom must be in a certain spot/height for it to work. And you have to be head to wind.



Once we got used to it, we are fine with it. Unlike in mast, you can dump it on the deck in an emergency.

[Kestrahl]

It is brave to try and retrofit a existing mainsail to a boom furler. All the batten angles have to be exact (not horizontal), the tack angle has to be exact. The luff curve less than a normal sail. The reefing patches removed or it will pile up and not fit or furl properly.

[a64pilot]

I am going to bet that it would require a new sail, trying to modify yours may end up ruining the sail.
Talk to a trusted, experienced sailmaker or two and ask them though, they would know.
We have an inboom furling System, it had a new sail, other sails were original.
It came with the boat.
Way too much money for me to have considered. I m sure it was purchased for the older couple that owned the boat to be able to sail into their old age, I don’t think it worked for that, cause it is a real near to hoist, so I’d add to the costs an electric winch.
I use a Milwaukee drill, cause it can be hoisted manually, but I have to rest in the middle for a minute and when it’s fully up, I’m worn out.

[MartinR]

Lazy bags! I have a furling boom on the mizzen, which I do not use, because it is more of a hassle than an asset. Lazy bags are a clear winner, both in cost and easiness of sail handling. Also in shape when reefed.

[Colin Oslo]

Thanks all for comments and replies.
Colin

[Boatguy30]

Except for larger yachts 70+ feet with custom masts with a built in track. Furling booms just really haven't caught on. I installed one once, almost 12 years ago. Could believe the hassle and expense, also the giant track hanging off the back of the mast.

Perhaps a few people really find them worthwhile, but not very common except Boat Show displays

[Wavehiker]

I have a furler boom on my 46’ boat and love it. Yes it works best with electric winch. It is a multi step process to raise and lower main but not that complicated. Allows for multiple reef points all from cockpit. Do not always have to be head to wind to make adjustments. As I single hand a lot I would never get a boat of size without one.

[psk125]

Everyone we know with a roller-furler boom has had problems with it jamming at one point or another, and/or having battens poke holes in their sail when it was wound up "improperly". These problems are especially prevalent on boats with electric r/f, because the owners simply hold the button down and the motor gives no clue that it is encountering more or less resistance (i.e.: getting jammed or not) until the damage is done. Lazy-bags seem to have a lot less to break and be less fussy to use.