Furler and sail

[key1]

I want to equip my 1974 Ericson 27 with a jib furler and sail for the first time in its life! I've been running with a 110% for all these years. But I'm torn between buying new which would cost $2500-3000, vs used. I'm not sure new makes sense on an almost 50 yr old boat. Boat's in good shape but but decks are getting soft in some areas, stanchions bases need some work, etc. I don't know a source though for reliable used furlers and a sail, probably 120%. I sail in Lake Michigan, cruising only, no racing. We cruise up and down the coast on overnighters, and occasionally across the lake but we often find ourselves in 15-20 kn gusting to 25 or so, other times 6 to 8-12. The lake can get pretty choppy, so there may be some stresses on the equipment. I could benefit from the 120% in the lighter airs. Any suggestions? Furler equipment, size of sail? Thanks!

 

[Christian Williams]

Not easy, or even desirable, to find a used furler, and any furler usually requires a new forestay, sail and so on.

Does a furler make sense on your boat? Probably even 3K will not add much to resale value. Will you keep the boat forever? Then yes. Plan to move up, or sideways, in future? Then I'd say no.

When the wind comes up, drop the mainsail. A 110 alone ought to take you through most stuff. Or you can buy a smaller hanked jib, used, for peanuts. The smaller a jib is, the easier and more inviting it is to change headsails as conditions change.

 

[G Kiba]

Stay with hank on sails on your 50 year boat. Don't buy a furler. Invest in different sized head sails. You can find them used as there are many other popular boats close in rig size like the Catalina 27 or Cal 2-27. I also added a down haul (1/8" nautical line) attached to the second sail hank from the top, run thru a block on at the base of the forestay and led aft to the cockpit secured with a cleat. The down haul line is used to lower the head sail without going forward. It is extremely handy when lowering or changing sails when the wind picks up. Head sails don't come down easy when it gets windy.

 

[Mark F]

Personally I think a furler is pretty necessary for single-handing. I just checked The Sail Warehouse website. They have been a good place to go for reasonably priced sail/furler packages. This is a link to something they currently have on their website, I don't like to add a link like this because it will disappear in time... https://thesailwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=storeframe.html&cart_id=

 

[key1]

Still mulling over a decision to make here. I have read several good pro and con arguments here and appreciate your thoughts. One other item - I would like to replace my original equipment Barient jib sheet winches. I am looking at Lewmar #15 or #30 EVO self-tailing. Any recommendations on size? Thanks!

 

[Loren Beach]

I am looking at Lewmar #15 or #30 EVO self-tailing. Any recommendations on size? Thanks!

You might consider a pair of new Lewmar 30ST winches from the current sale at WM. Two-for-one price!
Check the base size against your combing width, just to be sure of the 'fit'.

 

[Christian Williams]

Key, please add boat model and engine to your signature line so readers know how to respond. It will appear automatically under each of your posts. See upper right of page, User Name/Signature .

 

[william.haas]

Hi Key. I will slightly disagree with my forum pal Christian and others on this… everyone has their own version of what I call “boat math”. My version of the equation puts a multiplier on time spent aboard and sailing (there is also a project multiplier because like a sadist I enjoy many of them). For example, the Admiral in my situation requires a great deal of shade and the Bimini on Danu increased the amount of time she can be aboard and enjoying herself. While expensive this expense nearly increased my time aboard and sailing exponentially. If the boat math works for you - and your boat/financial situation/future plans/etc. pencil out - the upgrade makes sense and you should just do it and enjoy your yacht.