Boom furling systems

*Blitz* · 11-03-2009, 06:38 am

As a winter project, I'll need to replace my mainsail but before I do has anyone updated their boats with a boom furling system for the main? It seems that this might be the time to try it, many pros to this system but I'm curious on the forums take of any good, great or bad systems. I know that Hood made a system years ago that had problems - not sure if it was ever replaced. Leisure Furl and Schaefer has systems, haven't checked out prices yet but just want a easier handling main. Any thoughts or recommendations?

*tommays* · 11-03-2009, 07:57 am

I just bought a Cal 29 with a Hood Stoboom it seems to work

and having looked at all the others they ALL roll up the sail on a mandrel and require the boom to be at a fixed angle when rolling

The good news is the owner had the orginal boom and mainsail which i took just in case it becomes a PITA

*COOL* · 11-20-2009, 06:56 pm

You will find those systems to be quite expensive.
Any roller furling system involves some compromise,
although in the boom furling is far better than an in
the mast system there is still a loss in sail performance.
Mainsail furling is unnecessary on boats smaller than
40'. A good lazy jack system in conjunction with a
full batten main would be the way to go.

*HeyJude* · 11-20-2009, 08:52 pm

Helped a friend rig the T31 he bought. It came with a Leisure Furl Boom and electric halyard winch. Pretty cool design, a breeze to reef"just press a button a reef as little or as much as you want. Very tricky to rig and really needs to be professionally installed and rigged the first time. Did I say it was expensive? Figure $20,000+ for unit, installation, and specially made sail. Unit for a local 42' Hunter was close to $25,000 when all was said and done. Yikes!