In a message dated 10/30/03 3:53:04 PM, fml162@aol.com writes:

>Good evening, All.
> My wife, Karol, and I are going to California in December (if it is
>still there) to visit with Bob E. about buying our second M17. The first was
>about 20 years ago when we were in our early forties and had good knees and
backs.
> The rule at that time was more sails and complicated rigging was more fun!
> Go-fast stuff was hot. Now, however, age has taken its toll somewhat,
>and we tend to equate fun with convenience and just spending time on the
water
>without hassel.

> We are currently discussing sail inventory and whether to include a
>roller furling rig on the new boat. The anticpated use for the first year
>will be primarily as a day sailor off of a mooring in Southwest Harbor,
Maine where
>the average afternoon winds average about 12 kts.
>I have had roller furlers on other larger boats, but would appreciate
>your collective input on a smaller boat which is going to be taken on and
>off a trailer several times a season. How about ideas on sail inventory and
>sizes of headsails?
> Cheers and thanks. Have a great day. Skip Langley, Rockport,
>Texas/Southwest Harbor, Maine

Hi Skip,
I have to confess that I have been considering a furler for 'bebe' (M15). In
my research, it seems that very few small boat furlers are actually capable
of roller *reefing*. This is not acceptable to me, as my primary motive is to
facilitate easier headsail change/reduction while short handed (and in extreme
conditions). The only one I found that is a true reefing/furling system is
arguably overkill for the M15, but I am considering it nonethelss. The
'SnapFurl Small Boat' (Schaefer #CF-500) actually has the foil section that allows
the sail to roll and keep shape.

I have talked to my sailmaker (Bob Hogin) about a tri-radial cut headsail
that will ostensibly keep decent shape when rolled to about 30-40%.

In any event, thought you might be interested in this furler. CDI might make
one as well, but I am not as impressed of what I have seen of their quality.

Scott, M15 #478

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