converting from hank-on jib to furler

[key1]

I'm considering converting my 1974 E27 from a hank-on jib (the original rigging) to a furler. I keep the boat on Lake Michigan and have enjoyed cruising up and down the lake visiting various ports. I cruise and do not race. My reasons at this point to convert on this old boat are the following:
1) I want to be able to sail more efficiently in light airs 5-8 kn breeze, the boat's not good at less than about 6-7 and slow at 10, given it's a relatively heavy boat,
2) my kids are now more inclined to sail on it and my current scheme for hauling the jib down at the end of a day consists of my own rigging down haul system can be quirky (I've run a line from the cockpit through some fairleads on the deck to a block on the jib bow fitting which then runs loosely along the stay to the top hank on the sail. When raising the sail, I pay the line out, then when lowering I release the halyard and haul in on this line. This system has worked for me for many years but it can foul on occasion meaning a trip up to the bow. I'm getting older and not liking to run up the deck so much. I think the kids will appreciate the relative ease and reliability of using the furler than my current system. All my other control lines, halyards are run to the cockpit just so I can stay in it in various types of wind and wave conditions.
3) My system, while it does work normally, does not allow me to conveniently change the sail to accomodate the quieter days on the lake. I would say about 30% of our time on the lake is at these lower windspeeds.
4) I know the resale value of this old boat is not high but I can imagine having to almost give it away without a furler on it. But I'm healthy now and the boat is in really good shape (after lots of TLC over the years I've owned her) and anticipate sailing for another 6-7 or more years myself (I'm 78). I just need to keep making it easier.
5) Anxious for the next improvement project for the boat.

I know I could dump it and buy a boat with a furler on it but that involves a larger investment, and am limited in this respect to an older boat. And I know my current boat so well, engine and all.

Any opinions out there, or am I just boring everybody?

 

[Pete the Cat]

Go to a busy boatyard and ask. We used to have a pile of them that were discarded in refits and would be happy to see them go away. Folks seem to trade them out when they are still working during their refits. If you are handy and can do a Norseman fitting, the manuals for Harkens can be found on line. You will need a new forestay (and the top swage) and a new Norseman fitting. It requires careful measurment but no real skill if you have time over the winter. If you have a choice pick one where the screws in the extrusions are not corroded--getting the extrusions apart (or maybe you could just slide them off and pull your new stay in with a messenger) would be the challenge in a used one. Maybe look at the installation manual to see what you are in for. I did my first one with no help from anyone and it was not hard. No special tools required. They are very simple devices and Harkens last forever. You will need to your sail modified. Sailing enjoyment is not about resale imho. Seems like a good idea to me.

 

[bigd14]

If a used furler is hard to find there are lots of options for new. I have had a CDI, a ProFurl and most recently a Harken MkIV Ocean. The Harken is by far the nicest, but also the most expensive. The ProFurl I replaced last year on my current boat had some issues with the “maintenance free” bearings which is why I upgraded. I don’t know how old it was. I’m sure a new one would be great, lots of cruisers seem to use them. The CDI that came with my old E27 is still running just fine 15 years after I bought it (I kept in touch with its new owners) and it had been on there for many years before. The CDI would most likely be the cheapest option for new (~$1400).

I wouldn’t want to go back to hank-on sails, furlers make life so much easier.

 

[Joliba]

If you are seriously considering roller furling, you should explore your options as others have noted above. You and your family will be much more inclined to go sailing in all conditions knowing you won’t have to deal with dropping or changing your headsail. Your enjoyment of the boat will be greater, which is usually more important than resale value. Almost everyone who has moved from a hanked-on jib to roller furling says that they would never go back.
Don’t forget that you will need to add an appropriate bolt rope along the luff and a UV cover along the leech and foot of any jib you want to use.

 

[frick]

I have helped a friend convert his hanker on job into a roller furler. Match up the size of the track and purchase the matching tape size and length for the sail. We when sewed the new tape into the sail. I did have to remove a few grommets, but it was an ez job

 

[frick]

Prefabricated Boltrope Tape 5/16"

Boltrope 5/16" Prefabricated boltrope tape makes for quick work in sailmaking.

www.sailrite.com

 

[Christian Williams]

If 30 years old, I would advocate hanks. It is real sailing, a kid trained to crawl onto the bow and change sails, and pack and return with the old one. Switching sheets. When wind comes up, wet and wild up there, sail ties around the neck, half airborne. And then the charm of wet sailbags below. Why, there is really no substitute. Everything else is too easy.,

But of course roller furling is a dream come true, and works as advertised, or better.

Buy a new headsail if you make the change, they furl beautifully with a rope/foam luff.

Old justifies anything. Nobody's last words ever were "I wish I had stuck with hanks."

 

[key1]

Hey thanks for all the responses. I was 30 once and, yes, crawling up the deck in wind and waves was a thrill a minute, bucking bronco! style. Those were the days and I count the memories as more or less achievements! I'm still thrilled with wind and waves but only situated in the cockpit!

Next question - what size sail? I was heading for a 135% looking for light air horsepower. But I've been advised by experienced sailing friends of mine to go no larger than 120 or 125. One guy, and avid racer and cruiser, and 88 years old, told me nothing more than a 115%, or 120% if I must. Reasoning - for one, sail shape is better at light reefing levels. When you rein in a larger furling sail, they loose their best aerodynamic shape and you loose efficiency. Two. a big sail is too heavy and won't fill well in light airs, unless I opt for an expensive lightweight version, which I won't do. Three, I can sail fairly well now in 5-10 with my current working jib, although not fast, it's jerky depending on strength of puff. So I may not really need a big sail. I think the choice is between 115 and 120%. Opinions?

Thanks again for indulging me in what must be an oft repeated topic!

 

[Christian Williams]

Smaller is the trend, for many good reasons. My personal reason is that I have no desire to sail at 2 knots in 6 knots of wind through leftover slop. So my big genoa is 500 pounds of iron with a propeller.

 

[Loren Beach]

Design and construction of your new headsail is a big factor. Our 97% has three vertical battens and is full hoist. While slow in under 7 or 8 knots TW, it really drives the boat well up to 24 knots TW, and has done so. Points quite high using the forward tracks.
Unlike some other sailors in venues where the sea is more neutral, we have river current of 1 to 2.5 knots, so we do tend to use the motor a bit more in very light air, so as the saying goes: YMMV.

O 34 close-hulled

ericsonyachts.org

 

[frick]

Hey thanks for all the responses. I was 30 once and, yes, crawling up the deck in wind and waves was a thrill a minute, bucking bronco! style. Those were the days and I count the memories as more or less achievements! I'm still thrilled with wind and waves but only situated in the cockpit!

Next question - what size sail? I was heading for a 135% looking for light air horsepower. But I've been advised by experienced sailing friends of mine to go no larger than 120 or 125. One guy, and avid racer and cruiser, and 88 years old, told me nothing more than a 115%, or 120% if I must. Reasoning - for one, sail shape is better at light reefing levels. When you rein in a larger furling sail, they loose their best aerodynamic shape and you loose efficiency. Two. a big sail is too heavy and won't fill well in light airs, unless I opt for an expensive lightweight version, which I won't do. Three, I can sail fairly well now in 5-10 with my current working jib, although not fast, it's jerky depending on strength of puff. So I may not really need a big sail. I think the choice is between 115 and 120%. Opinions?

Thanks again for indulging me in what must be an oft repeated topic!

I always had a 130 Genny on the furler

 

[nukey99]

If 30 years old, I would advocate hanks. It is real sailing, a kid trained to crawl onto the bow and change sails, and pack and return with the old one. Switching sheets. When wind comes up, wet and wild up there, sail ties around the neck, half airborne. And then the charm of wet sailbags below. Why, there is really no substitute. Everything else is too easy.,

But of course roller furling is a dream come true, and works as advertised, or better.

Buy a new headsail if you make the change, they furl beautifully with a rope/foam luff.

Old justifies anything. Nobody's last words ever were "I wish I had stuck with hanks."

Our first sailboat was an old Ericson 29 on the SF bay, where sailing can be an intense athletic adventure. On that boat we had hank on jibs, and did change them at times. I found that it was always best to change jibs before you need to, and put in that mainsail reef before you really need it. Having said all that, the boat we are about to purchase, an 83 35 MK3 has a furling headwall and our old Catalina 320 had a Furling head sail. No way I would go back to hank on head sails.

 

[Frank Langer]

I really like our 125% on our furler with the foam luff to help it keep shape when furled in a bit in Windsor conditions. We sail in BC coastal waters, winds about 5 to 30 knots (more or less wind, and I stay on the dock).
Frank

 

[key1]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions and comments. It's all good information and advice. I have made the decision to convert and will be adding the hardware while in the yard next spring. Still debating size - 115, 120 or 125. But that's ok, it seems sail prices are dropping as we hit various holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas specials). Checking UK Sails, Sobstad, North, and Quantum. All either made in Chicago or with strong Chicago presence. Thanks again.