[C320-list] in-mast furling mainsail questions

[Nigel Price]

Hi Rich, I have a Charleston system on #1061 and I love it but it came with 
a fixed boom vang which has its pros and cons. Obviously there is no 
possibility of adjustment under way, but providing it's set at the magical 
87 degrees to the mast, the sail can be furled, wrinkle free without a 
thought. However, if you have an adjustable boom vang, and I changed mine 
from the fixed, make sure that you do set the boom at that 87 degree mark 
before furling, otherwise, you can end up with wrinkles at the least, worse, 
jammed foot as the bunched up sail tries to squeeze into the slot.
Happy furling,
Nigel
Epiphany #1061




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sea Chalet" <seachalet at charter.net>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 9:32 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] in-mast furling mainsail questions


> Hi Rich, I'm in my 7th season with an in-mast furler.  No problems, and 
> I'm still satisfied with it.  To answer your questions:
>
> 1. Mine is made by Charleston Spar.   No manual, but they have a web site 
> with some tips at 
> http://www.charleston-spar.com/us/main.asp?url=http://www.charleston-spar.com/us/products/masts/furling_masts/default.asp&f=2,78,,,
>
> 2. I've tried to furl/unfurl when not into the wind, and it is very 
> difficult.  I don't think you can wrap the sail tight enough when not into 
> the wind.  You should drive straight into the wind and keep some tension 
> on the opposite line when furling/unfurling.
>
> 3. I just spray the lower part with fresh water when back in the slip.
>
> 4.  The only tip on trimming that I've heard (and follow) is to set some 
> "belly" in the sail when in moderate winds (10-15 knots), i.e.,  loosen 
> the foot so that it floats about 6-12 inches away from the boom. 
> Otherwise, keep the sail tight in light or heavy winds.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Pete Peterson
> Sea Chalet #815
>
> Richard Smith wrote:
>
>>Hi Folks - My wife and I just bought a new (to us!) Catalina 320 
>>(Hull#986)
>>with in-mast furling and, having never owned a boat with this, I have a 
>>lot
>>of questions...Hopefully some of you can share your wisdom as I am a 
>>little
>>afraid of it at the moment.  1.  Who makes the system?  Is there a manual?
>> 2.  Is it ok to furl/unfurl when not straight into the wind?  I've read
>>people who say they can furl on any point of sail but I'm nervous about
>>doing this.
>> 3.  Is there any regular maintenance that I should be doing to the 
>> system?
>> 4.  Are there any articles/books/tips to trimming and obtaining the 
>> desired
>>sail shape with an in-mast furled main?
>> Many Thanks and Fair Winds,
>>Rich.
>>
>>No virus found in this outgoing message.
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>>9:57 PM
>>
>>
>
>