We are recent owners of a ’67 boat and sometimes find the hoisting/handling of the main to be cumbersome if not downright difficult. What modifications/solutions can you recommend? What of main furling system? Thank you. Best regards, Phil
Hi Phil: This is a very involved subject, starting with the height of the boom above the deck. On our designs we try and keep the boom(s) low so they are easy to work–which means they cannot overhang the cockpit. Hoisting is simplified with an electric winch (which we usually use for other halyards too, going aloft, and often reefing). Then there are the in-the-mast and or in-boom furling systems. If you have a really high boom, which makes covering difficult, one of these approaches might make sense. In the mast means a lot of extra weight and windage aloft, and a battenless mainsail (which means it is much less efficient). There are quite a few details on this subject in our Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia. Good Luck–Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
