If you just want to douse it quickly, it seems the combo of downhaul, boomkicker or cockpit-accessible topping lift, and lazy jacks would be about as quick as any, less likely to fail due to complex mechanical complications, and less likely to affect sail shape, trim, etc.. There are systems that reef onto the boom rather than the mast. An in-the-boom system is probably not available for anything as small as a Monty, and what I've seen of them, they are $$$$$$ at any size. The Ensenada 20 I've owned reefs by rolling onto the boom (that was the factory setup anyhow). People either hate or appreciate the system. Those who hate it have put normal reefing gear on instead. The boom is spring-loaded at the gooseneck mechanism. Pull the boom towards the stern and it will rotate; otherwise it is locked from rotating by the sprung mechanism. It locks at each half turn so the amount of reef can vary greatly. However one can't use a normal vang (though one could presumably use the boomkicker that has the webbing sling instead of fixed plate on the boom end), or any other lines running on the boom that need to be accessed when reefed. I only mention it as another mainsail reefing method I've actually used. I don't necessarily recommend it, as it has its own awkwardness to manage single-handed - - slacking the main halyard but keeping tension on it while pulling back & rolling the boom is not an easy dance to do. And it doesn't douse the main, just reduces it. cheers, John S. On 09/27/2015 05:36 PM, George Iemmolo wrote:
Guys
I presently have a Topping Lift & Boomkicker (Belt and Suspenders) in addition to Retractable Lazy Jacks (Help maintain sail shape underway) also a Main down haul along with Single line Reefing. All help but still looking for a magic bullet to help douse the Main.
David Gilroy I would be interested in the type/model of Furling System you have. Does your Main have a Luff Tape to help with the sail shape when being furled? How do you reef? What are the battens made off and how wide are they.
Dave Scobie I to am concerned with the extra weight aloft.
My other thought is to go with Full Battens had them on both my 23's. (Seward & Pearson)
Thanks for all the input
Fair sailing for the rest of the season. Hauling out on 10/6 a week early as my help is going to Florida.
George Merry Helen II 97 M15 #602
George "We Can Not Control the Wind But We Can Adjust Our Sails"
On Sun, Sep 27, 2015 at 6:10 PM, David Gilroy <dbakergilroy@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Hi George, I have a roller furling main on my M-15, which was installed probably two owners back. It depends on the upper roller furler to somehow start to twirl as the sail itself twists. I hate it. It has vertical battens so it can roll up. It doesn't work well at all, although it's entirely possible I never figured out if there are any tricks involved. My plan at this point is to convert it back to where it started, a regular main with horizontal battens and two lines of reef points. I'd be interested to hear if you find a system that does work. Best regards, David from East Granby, CT
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 25, 2015, at 9:56 PM, George Iemmolo <griemmolo2@gmail.com> wrote:
George "We Can Not Control the Wind But We Can Adjust Our Sails"
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: George Iemmolo <griemmolo2@gmail.com> Date: Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 8:55 PM Subject: Main Furling System To: montgomery_boats-owner@mailman.xmission.com, montgomeryboats@hotmail.com
Wrinkle Boat Mates
In my attempt to reduce work during sailing due to advancing age (84) I am adding a Roller furl er for the Jib next season. In light of that I was thinking about a furling system for the Main. I did find that CDI has Main Systems for boats as small as 26'. Has anyone developed one for a M15 or M17.
George "We Can Not Control the Wind But We Can Adjust Our Sails"
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