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Replace Main or Jib (with roller furl)?

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pmcarman
1st Mate

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USA
30 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/16/2005 : 14:18:00

Hello all!

Just bought a new C25 and have enough cash to replace either the main or the jib (and if I do the jib, I figure I'd bite the bullet with the roller).

That said, advice on which to do first? I've been told if I'm likely to do more quick, short sails (and since I'll be doing some single-handed sailing), that I'd get more benefit out of the rolling jib, and then do the main later.

Thoughts? Thank you!

-Paul

Paul MacGyver Carman
'86 FK/SR #5195 "Althea"
Eau Gallie, FL

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2005 : 15:54:57

I went with a roller furler and new headsail first, and glad I did.
I have a Schaefer Snapfurl CF-700, and an Ullman 135 sail.

Then the next year I got an Ullman full batten loose footed main.

Good stuff

Edited by - on

Esteban
Navigator

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139 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2005 : 20:51:36

Paul,

Definitely the head sail and furler for starters. I too, like Frank have a Schaefer CF-700 with a 135 headsail from Gary Ullman. The Catalina 25 is driven by the headsail - so this is your "main engine" if you will. You will make the most improvement here. As for the furler - once you try this out you will wonder why and how you ever did without. There is a tremendous advantage, not just in safely rolling up your headsail from the cockpit, but being able to quickly and constantly adujst your reefing. The Cf-700 is a beautiful unit and works like a champ. I can reef with ease at any point of sail with winds gusting to 30.

New head sail is like going from a four cylinder car to a nice big six cylinder. You will certailny see a nice difference. Go with the headsail first and have a great time!

Esteban

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jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2005 : 19:38:17

I installed a CDI FF-4 about five years ago. Love it. I still have not bought a new main.

A roller-furler jib is a compromise. You will lose a little in performance when fully deployed compared to a hank-on jib. As you roll-furl you will lose a little more and a little more shape. Do yourself a favor and have a foam luff sewn in to maintain shape. I had that done last year and it made a huge difference.

One other thing...if you plan to sail in anything over 10kts of wind, go with a 135, nothing larger. I have a 150 and regret not getting a 135. It is great 20% of the time. The rest of the time I am way overpowered, forced to furl and lose performance due to shape. As soon as I can have it cut down, I will.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
SF Bay

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2005 : 20:51:05

Orion has CdFF4 with foam luff 135. I installed the roller bearing upgrade and recommend it highly, it makes a world of difference. Fair winds, ron in Venice, FL

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2005 : 09:05:25

Get the headsail first. I bought a main first and while it looks nice the boat is driven by the headsail.
Contrary to my expressed opinions over the last two years that I would only buy a Harken with a 135...
I now have a used CDI FF4 with the bearing upgrade and a 150.

I am impressed with the CDI. I will change to a 135 for next year. Last Sunday I was sailing in gusts over 30 and a reefed main with about 40% headsail and it worked surprisingly well.
One thing I have noticed by looking at a lot of CDI units is that many have too short a foil and the upper unit is spinning on wire instead of swage shank. I find that disturbing. Mine rides high.

Luff tension is difficult to get but with enough downhaul it is fine.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2005 : 10:11:13

After many years without one I also purchased the Profurl Snap Furl and am pleased to say the least. I also had my 150 headsail cut down to a 135 and am very happy with that mod. I would go with this combination first.

When you do get your main - full battens are great for stowing the main sail but I don't feel that they appreciably add to performance. Secondly, if you plan on racing, a full roach is a good mod to the sail but you have to contend with it hanging up on your backstay in light air. Don't get it if you are a day sailor/cruiser. I also like the loose foot on my main, however, when you add this option you will also have to add some type of mechanical outhaul. Again, cost versus utility.

Make sure you evaluate your long-term sailing goals before you order sails, I ordered all new sails one year for racing purposes and decided that what I really wanted to do was cruise. I ended up modifying everything at the same cost as new sails - lots. Also, equipment upgrades usually mean adding additional equipment to accomodate the upgrade. The same holds true for sails, re, the loose foot vs. the expense of an outhaul. If cruising only, tell your sailmaker that so they'll recommend appropriate sails for that purpose. If you race they will recommend sails for that as well. A oversize roach is in vogue now among racers. I mentioned one drawback already - backstay hang-up. Also, I don't believe they are class legal for the C25 Nationals.

Lots to thinks about.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.