In-boom furling

[rfreeland]

I am thinking of replacing the boom on my 49DS with an in-boom furling system. Does anyone with a similar boat have experience of this and which system did they choose?
Apart from the additional cost of changing to this method of main furling, does anyone think it would be a bad idea?

[MalcolmP]

Only limited knowledge FWIW just based on a conversation I had with a guy who had this on a Catalina about 40 foot - he said he had to use the electric winch to furl as the hand back-up wasn't strong enough. Regret I cant remember the make of the furler boom

Personally I don't like the extra mast track that seems to be needed to get the required space for the tack behind the gooseneck correct or the very large boom section required, but of course all subjective

[Don Reaves]

I have a friend with an older hunter (early 1990's I think) who retrofitted a Lewmar in-boom furler. He said it was a wonderful improvement in the boat. But as Malcom stated, there was a large extra mast track that was hoisted in the original mast track. It tended to make noise in certain winds at dock, as I recall.

My only direct interaction with this system was helping him mount the boom one spring. It was a very heavy system, and took at least three people to set it up. But it worked flawlessly for him.

Don

[venture]

I added a Leisure Furl carbon boom to my 49SO. This type doesn't have a large conspicuous sail track. Was a great change - especially since I was looking for performance and was switching from in-mast furling. Gained about 35% mainsail area, and full battens. Sail can't have quite as much draft, but not a problem for me as I'm in a windy area. Can still furl/unfurl from the cockpit single handing in about a minute. Getting boom angle right is key to furling smoothly without the rolled up sail impinging on mast or pulling away from mast (and stressing the luff). I use a mark on the solid vang and also a mark on the vang control line. Went with carbon to reduce the weight gain, and added permanently rigged preventers as an accidental jibe could be more damaging (a good add anyway). Boom tapers aft so doesn't look bulky. Highly recommended.

[rfreeland]

Hi Don,

Thank you for those comments - I have now also come to the conclusion that Leisure Furl is the best system. Did you go for the 18/6 or the 20/7?

Best regards,
Richard.

[rfreeland]

Hi Venture,

Sorry, I addressed that last email to Don instead of "Venture".

Thanks for your comments. Did you go for the 18/7 or the 20/7 Leisure Furl?

Best regards,
Richard.

[venture]

Hi Richard,
No problem - I should have signed my post. I am not near my boat where my paperwork is, and it's been a few years since I got my boom, but I believe it's the 18/7. I kept the P and E dimensions unchanged. With E at just under 18 feet, and since I only have a few extra inches of mandrel length, it must be the 18 model. We used a smaller drum - my rigger has installed a great number of these booms and recommended this approach. He said it would work fine and be less obtrusive visually, and he was
right.
Regards,
Mike

[acepjb]

Hi Richard,

What would something like this cost...ballpark?

Paul

[rfreeland]

Hi Paul,
I will be buying this in France and I have been quoted 8,865 Euros for the alloy version for the basic alloy 18/6 system. Options such paint or anodised finish, gooseneck tang, delivery and fitting are extra.
Regards,
Richard.