[C320-list] In-mast Furling

[Jeanne DeLaCruz]

I have in-mast furling on my C320 #846,  I have had no problem with it and I am very happy with my choice.  When I first looked to purchase the boat, it was very difficult to pull out and haul in. Being a small woman I knew this would not work. Women need to figure how something works because muscle is not the solution to all problems. I found out that with some fine tuning  which I won't go into unless you are interested, I am able to handle the furling with very little muscle and a lot of safety. My daughter is my crew and weighs about 100 pounds. She does most of the sail work and I haven't lost her yet.  It is so easy and safe with everything coming back to the cockpit. You need to pay attention to how you are furling it in but it is no problem.  I don't race and understand I am not a purist but the easier it is, the more I sail.........  

Jeanne
Cuttin' Curves  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: wflowe3 at netscape.net<mailto:wflowe3 at netscape.net> 
  To: C320-List at Catalina320.com<mailto:C320-List at Catalina320.com> 
  Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 2:00 PM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] In-mast Furling



   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<mailto:jelliott at landspring.net>>
  To: C320-List at catalina320.com<mailto: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