roller reefing/furling

[dennis knudson]

I'm soon to be 67 and found out last year that I'm not as agile on the foredeck of my C-26 (sail #666) as I once was. I am planning on purchasing a roller system and would welcome any suggestions and/or personal experiences. I am also considering replacing the mainsheet system with a genuine traveler over the companion way hatch. If anyone has doen that I would appreciate advice. thanks

Two years ago I struck bottom hard pushing the swing keel up and then have it slam down breaking the cable. In the process the keel pin was bent and the impact was great enough to crack the base of the keel trunk near the cable through hull fitting. I tried to fix it several times inside the boat to no avail eventually taking the boat to a marina that has a lift. The marina personnel repaired the hull inside the trunk by removing the keel. It was at that point the pin was discovered to be bent. fortunately it was easily replaced . The whole episode cost one sailing season and $1500.00. I think it worked out well and now am confident about the new pin. After 27 years of used the old pin was in fine shape other than the bend.

[STEVE ROYER]

I would recommend a CDI flexible pvc furler ,I have one and it works great and you dont have to worry about bending the extrusions when putting the mast up and down due to it being made of pvc and there not real expensive and easy to install .good luck