Mac Main Sail furler-anyone installed?

[bscott]

I'm looking to install a boom mounted main sail reefing system. Any info on the Mac system will be helpful.

Bob

[Tumbleweed]

I've done a lot of research on the boom reefing and the mast reefing furlers...any reason you decided on boom rather than mast ? I'll anxiously be waiting to monitor your replies to this post also... T

[Russ]

There is this one
http://youtu.be/pFLnfIYmBs0

[Russ]

If you aren't looking to reef, but simply control the main halyards from the cockpit, Jim came up with the ideal solution that I'm going to implement one day.

Continuos loop that raised and lowers the main.
http://vid132.photobucket.com/albums/q1 ... sDec09.mp4

[DaveC426913]

I put a downhaul on my mainsail. Just a thin line attached to the top lug, run down to a block and then back to the bucket.

Super simple, super cheap. Works like a charm.

[Obelix]

Got the same line as you do, Dave. Together with my lazy-jacks that works like a charm.
Obelix

[bscott]

I've done a lot of research on the boom reefing and the mast reefing furlers...any reason you decided on boom rather than mast ? I'll anxiously be waiting to monitor your replies to this post also... T

I believe the mast system will negate the draft of the sail while reefed. Those systems also add weight aloft and will destroy the advantages of my rotating mast.

Easyroll, a Dutch Sail company has an excellent design but I can't locate a dealer here.

Mike Inmon's early design looked OK but a little light weight for my sailing grounds. BWY does not have one in their parts/accessories site.

This is a MUST HAVE addition for me next season.

Bob

[1-Tntimbo]

http://youtu.be/pFLnfIYmBs0

Very interesting, I am wondering who makes this and approximate cost
T

[Obelix]

The main-furler was/is made by Mike Inmon in CA. The price was in 2008, when I looked at it, about $3000.00. Another in our club uses it and they are happy with it.

Obelix

[1-Tntimbo]

From what I can gather Mike Immon worked for Macgregor. Same guy??? What company made the furler?
T

[Russ]

This is a MUST HAVE addition for me next season.

Bob

What is it that you like about the RF main. For easy reefing or easy raising/lowering?

[1-Tntimbo]

For me......easy, says it all.

But then, I am an old guy, which explains why easy is so appealing.
T

[Obelix]

Since I looked at a video of a Tattoo 26, fitted with the furler, I would assume that it is still available.
Yes, Mike Inmon is the associate of Roger MacGregor, who used to have a dealership in LA.
I would recommend to call Tattoo Yachts at 772 872-6761, they would most likely be able to give you contact and/or pricing information.

Obelix

[Tumbleweed]

Try this link:

http://www.macgregorsailboats.com/index.html

[bscott]

This is a MUST HAVE addition for me next season.

Bob

What is it that you like about the RF main. For easy reefing or easy raising/lowering?

1) Too old to ride my cabin top
2) Winds At 8,450' altitude require multiple reef tie in--see #1
3) I am 50/50 solo--see #1
4) I replaced 7 slugs the last time out--AKA a zipper job.
5) A Dutchman and a halyard down haul does not solve #1

Inmon built and installed his RF main on the M about the time he joined Roger. Word was that it was suitable for So Cal light winds. I hope to find one and mod it to handle our down draft events.

Bob