Experiences with continous line furlers?

[Jak Mang]

You are correct. It was the first block that was moved a few inches and changed the angle of entry of the line on the drum. Uneven wraps caused by gusts during furling also looked like they could have the same effects.

Perhaps this is rare and not to be worried about. It is tough on a shorthanded crew and is something that I would like to avoid ever experiencing again. The newer continuous line models are purported to be built for long distance ocean races.

-jak

[SV_Chamelea]

I'm sure you'll carefully study your purchase options, but here's something to be wary of. IIRC, many of those continuous line furlers are only that ... not recommended for reefing.

[Ian McColgin]

On roller reefing: Jibs are three dimensional and cannot set correctly just roller reefed around the foil or (old Merriman style) luff wire. I don't know if it's still on the market or how well it worked - comments from Brion I hope - but there was a unit that somehow had differentially moving foil sections to roll up more of the middle. The system I've used and works well has foam strips sewn in the luff to accomplish the same. Both systems really need reef tack and peak marks (patches better I think) so you reef to the designed place.

I'm really old-fashioned in that I much preferr hanked on sails in a hard chance. You've not really faced death until you've wrestled a big genny into or out of the foil in a Near Gale.