roller furling jib

[maezland]

My wife and I have just bought our first boat and (we know nothing about boats,) it has a roller furling jib that is rolled up but looks tattered. I wanted to know if a replacement sail has to be a roller furling type or are they the same or does it matter? Thanks to anyone who helps in advance.

[Calif.Ted]

In order to fit a furler it must be made with a "luff tape" to fit the furler, there are different sizes. A "Hank On" sail uses a mechanical attachment which goes on the forestay, to use one on your boat would require removal of furler from forestay. If the furler works your best option is a sail to fit it, unfurl what you got and see if it's shot or just needs a new "sunband".

[JimsCAL]

Take it to a sailmaker. He can can give you an evaluation of the sail. May just be the cover.

[Nicholson58]

Agree with the others.

Unless you love bouncing on the fore deck in crappy weather Or have crew I would stay with a working furler. If there is something wrong with it get it fixed. Did you have a rig inspection? Sounds like it might be a timely investment. Also, if you are putting the boat up for winter, have a sailmaker On board to evaluate the sails. Contract for remedial service over the winter. Often, storage is part of the deal and they will return them in the spring with stitching repaired and new Sunbrella UV covers. We do this annually in the Caribbean.

[hlev00]

Congrats on your first boat!


As suggested, taking your current sail to sail loft is a good first step. Maybe things aren't as bad as they appear.


What is the boat? If the boat is a relatively common one, you may also find a used genoa that is in better shape than your current one. Even if not common you may find that a used sail from another boat with the right dimensions might work for you. Someone here may have experience with sellers of used sails.

[barnakiel]

You can drop a roller furling sail and stow it away if you do not want it to remain on the foil.


Just saying.


b.

[maezland]

Its a Columbia MKIII 43. We really like it but we have zero experience with sailboats. Everything is super new and kind of scary to me. I really appreciate the help.

[maezland]

I wanted to keep the roller furling system but didn't know if the sails can be interchanged with the different types of system.

[Calif.Ted]

Luff tape size determined by manufacturer of the furler, mine uses a #6 which is a common size so any sail with that size will fit the groove on my furler, other dimensions aside. I'll try to attach a size chart.

[maezland]

Thank you very much. I'm sure this will help.

[DeValency]

Welcome and congrats!
In most cases a sailmaker can check your existing jib, or offer a new jib that fits the boat and furler.

Highly recommend joining a sailing club and/or courses (ASA, Diesels, Emergency etc.). It should help you a lot with many future questions, but even more important, identify issues to be taken care of and enjoy sailing!

[maezland]

thanks for the advise.