|
|
Post by ianpowolny on Mar 7, 2015 14:27:09 GMT
Folks, is anyone using the new Harken ESP furler system? Has anyone got experience of the MKIV against the ESP furler? The price difference is significant but the MKIV comes with an AirFoil and a tack swivel arrangement which the ESP does not have. Thoughts please. Ian
|
|
|
|
Post by jdl01 on Mar 7, 2015 23:44:26 GMT
Hi Ian,
I dumped the factory provided facnor cruising furler with no lower swivel before the boat hit the water. We carry a mark IV reefer and have no regrets - same system I have used on my 3 previous boats. If you do any amount of upwind sailing under reefed foresail, you want the best possible sail shape to drive the boat to weather.
If your notion of reefing is primarily survival, then shape is not that important. If you want decent foil shape, then sucking in the mid draft portion of the jib is critical and it requires top and bottom rotating bearings.
We sail because a well trimmed boat is very satisfying. Spend the money and be happy knowing you are getting the most out of your boat that you can. It keeps me happy. Jim
|
|
|
|
Post by ianpowolny on Mar 8, 2015 7:16:32 GMT
Jim, this would be the second furler for our small jib (37m2) so I was thinking the ESP would be a cheaper solution than the MKIV. Do you have any pics of the bow fixing? Ian
|
|
|
|
Post by jdl01 on Mar 8, 2015 17:29:47 GMT
Hi Ian
Feng Shui is still under full winter tarp, so no photo's available until next month. If your inner forestay sail is either all in or all out type of use, reefing shape is not important and the lower swivel is not critical to good sail shape.
|
|
