Furling or Batten Jib?

I am thinking about purchasing a furling jib to quickly depower my H16 when needed.

How does the furling jib compare with the battened jib? Is the furling jib effective in lighter winds or does it tend to loose its shape and luff around? Is there a difference in boat speeds when using the furling? Does the boat perform differently when tacking and jibbing (easier or harder), etc?

Thanks

I had a battened jib on my H16 while a friend of mine did not. He didn't have the furler. Tacking was easier in lighter air on his boat since there were no battens to hang up on the halyards. I noticed no dicernable speed differences with the jibs.

Now I have an H18 with the furling jib. I love it. If I ever get another H16 it will have the furling jib upgrade put on it.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Can somebody point me to this jib furling that everyone is talking about.. I'd like to see one.

I have a few questions regarding the furling jib as well for the 16. I am going to buy a new 16 for next season. I am considering the furling jib option. Do the racing rules allow using the furling jib? Also does it complicate any of the rigging adjustments?

No. It is an aftermarket item and is actually smaller than the stock jib. It's easy to revert back to the stock jib for racing, though. (Need to change the forestay/halyard by dropping the mast.)



Not really. There's a line led from the furling drum back to the front crossbar, but that's basically it.

its just so helpful to furl it up when you dont want it though. it doesnt flap in the wind at the beach, and then all you have to do is lower the main and leave it for lunch, then come back and hoist the main and take off.

alot healthier than leaving it luffing/flapping all over the place.

and all the non sailors, or n00bs just stare at your while youre furling it on the way over, and drool.

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Peter Scranton
'14 Tandem Island "Awesome"
'03 Windrider Rave "Menage a Trois"