I am looking to put a roller furling jib on my Freedom 40/40. I am looking at Profurl, Harken and Schaefer. Any thoughts?
How much performance will be lost v. the Camberspar?
Depends on the size roller furling sail you use and the conditions you use it in. Camber spar jib doesn’t do much for you in light air - but you have a huge main - which , to some degree, offsets the size disadvantages of the camber spar jib. Short tacking in a narrow channel, it can’t be beat.
I’m hoping to install a 135 LP roller furling/reefing jib on my F 38 this summer. It will probably not have as good a shape as the camberspar jib - but its trade offs in convenience, safety (not going to the foredeck in rough condiitons to pull down and secure a dropped jib), versatility (reefability) and drive to weather in light air are significant advantages.
One improtant factor in selecting a furling unit is the unit’s ability to withstand flexing - as the forestay will definitely bow off ot leeward on a beat or reach. Another possible issue is whip-loading - which can occur when the forestay is whipping around when the boat bouncing around while sailing in a seaway. I plan to have in depth conversatins with several manufacturers about this - and the suitability of their units for use on a free-standing rig.
I have a Furlex on my 42. Works great, I’ve had the boat for 6+ years, was installed in 2001.
Chuck
Anyone else out there have experience with different brands of roller furling units? My main question is about durability and suitability for use on free standing rig which move around a lot more than stayed masts.
I installed a Harken furler on my P35 five yrs ago - no issues until this past season when a rather violent storm shook the boat on the mooring such that the attachment at the top of the mast failed. New parts order from Harken and 48 hrs later I was back in business… i use a carver top down furler for my A-sail…a bit more challenging to set up, but once you get it right, its a dream to run.