Technique: Top-Down Spinnaker Furlers

Top-Down Spinnaker Furlers

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Keelboat classes
Forum Name: Technique
Forum Discription: 'How to' section for keelboat questions and answers
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13392
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Topic: Top-Down Spinnaker Furlers

Posted By: Laser3
Subject: Top-Down Spinnaker Furlers
Date Posted: 24 Aug 19 at 7:56pm

I am having trouble with the spinnaker on a Hunter 216 getting tangled etc. I was considering using Top-Down Spinnaker Furler, perhaps using a wire trace threaded through 'ski-rope'. I am having trouble sourcing 'Torsion-rope', which is very expensive and may be an over-kill for a small yacht. I have been advised that Top-Down furling is not the magic solution. Anyone using it on a small trailer-sailer? Any suggestions?

Replies:

Posted By: mole
Date Posted: 29 Aug 19 at 1:42pm

Are you using a symmetric or asymmetric sail?

If symmetric I am not sure it would work

As for and asymmetric, they are troublesome to set up and operate.

There are a good number of guides on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b_qcqPXRHU&t=3s" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b_qcqPXRHU&t=3s good overall information about set up and rigging

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjsbNP9e08o" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjsbNP9e08o - alternative technique to depower the sail

Ref the ant-torsion rope, it is expensive but available here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anti-Twist-Luff-Rope-Custom-built-Anti-Torsion-Cable-8-10-12mm-Sailmakers/323480189811?hash=item4b50ebfb73:g:oVsAAOSw~QhbtIbu" rel="nofollow - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anti-Twist-Luff-Rope-Custom-built-Anti-Torsion-Cable-8-10-12mm-Sailmakers/323480189811?hash=item4b50ebfb73:g:oVsAAOSw~QhbtIbu ,

North sails and Elvstrom have developed sails not requiring it. Again, those sails aren't cheap either.

HTH

Mole

Posted By: fudheid
Date Posted: 29 Aug 19 at 2:27pm

on a small keelboat then you will find a snuffer, simpler, easier to use (remember the KISS Keep It Simple Stupid philosphy!)and better for the spinnaker. A furling spinnaker, furls around a thin rope - even on a 40ftr that rope is on 14mm think about what that does to the spinnaker material...
There's a manufacturer on Ebay that makes them down to small dayboat sizes...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spinnaker-Snuffer-sizes-6m-7m-8m-9m-10m-11m-12m-Spinnaker-handling-made-easy/232761099288?hash=item3631a48418:m:mEHHMhQf6Gqsx2lUetUTbQw" rel="nofollow - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spinnaker-Snuffer-sizes-6m-7m-8m-9m-10m-11m-12m-Spinnaker-handling-made-easy/232761099288?hash=item3631a48418:m:mEHHMhQf6Gqsx2lUetUTbQw

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Cheers you

only me from over the sea......