[C320-list] In-mast Furling

[wflowe3 at netscape.net]

 I've had in-mast on a Beneteau 281 for 6 years and also have it on my 2008, 320.? In my experience, the dreaded "jamming" that some keep speaking about has only occurred when deploying the main, never when reefing or furling.? That's because if you furl it haphazardously the sail? gets wrinkled as you furl it and these wrinkles can hang as it exits the mast slot.? I would not let fear of not being able to roll in the sail play much in your decision.? As to pointing ability and sail size, it is true that the main will be 10-15% smaller than a conventional main. My main has vertical battens and it points as well as most of the Catalinas, Hunters and? Beneteaus on our lake.J Boats eat me up though.? I think my pointing ability is helped because I have the deep keel and most of the boats on our lake have wing keel.? I single hand most of the time and the ability to reef both main and genoa from the cockpit, by myself is great. 

Don't have any experience with in-boom but I'm sure it works well too. I believe that in-boom is probably more expensive but I'm not sure.


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Julian Elliott <jelliott at landspring.net>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Sent: Fri, Sep 11, 2009 2:04 pm
Subject: [C320-list] In-mast Furling










After having tricked out my beloved C320 for Northwest cruising, I'm
regretfully considering moving to a newer vessel that is also a bit more
friendly to limited flexibility.  After a soul searching debate with my wife
about going over to the dark side (Nordic Tug), I realize I just can't
compromise the feeling of the wind in my face, and the rush of having the
elements move me along.

 

Short of simply getting a later model C320, I am considering a late model
C34 which has lower freeboard, forward stateroom, etc.  Which brings me to
my question:  In-mast furling.

 

I know the advantages/disadvantages, and everyone has his/her opinion.  I'd
be interested in hearing opinions of anyone who has had experience with
both, especially in an apples-apples comparison, say in the 320.

 

This may have been covered ad nauseum in the past; however, I just
resubscribed to the list a few months ago.

 

Thanks,

 

Julian

Polaris #340