So I've read through all 99 pages of this forum 2 1/2 times now & still find something I missed on every page. I have a couple of questions about some things that might be blatantly obvious to someone with a little experience, but I've yet to lay my hands on a halyard, so to speak, so please forgive my ignorance. Before you ask, I do have a friend/co-worker who will teach me the basics of keeping the pointy side up once I find the right boat for me.
I expect the majority of my sailing will be solo on lakes, launching from ramps & such, so I've decided a furling jib would be a good idea. I've seen the Harken system & heard that Hobie also had one. Which do you guys recommend?
From what I've seen so far, it appears that the furling rig basically replaces the forestay? If so, does the top connect to the jib halyard? That's the only way I can figure getting any decent tension out of it... I understand that furling systems use a different cut on the jib, since there aren't any battens. I haven't done much looking around at the sail makers yet, but I've plenty of time before that's an issue. A while back someone posted photos of a furling jib laid over a standard H16 jib, but alas the pics no longer appear...
Second, for a solo righting setup. I'm 5'11
and 150lb's soaking wet. The posts I found most relevent were a few years old, so I'd like to get some current opinions on
Rick Whites power pole." Those of you who have used one, what did you think? Would it give me enough mechanical advantage to right a 16 alone? I like the idea of having it handy under the tramp a lot more than having to rig & fill a righting bag...
That's about it for now. I'm sure I'll have plenty more to ask once I've spent some time on the water if you guys still have enough patience to deal with me by then...
I am of the opinion that you don't need a furling jib on the 16, just a fast way to unhook it if you get into trouble. I single hand my 16 all the time and have not ever had an issue (if going out in reasonable conditions) I feel that you'd be spending some big dough to add the furling set up and just won't need it.
Get a righting pole or bag for tipping back over. The pole might work better. I have trouble at 6'1" 195lbs getting it over, so the pole might help.
I put a D ring on my jib pullys so I can just hook it up once I am under way and unhook it when I get close to coming into shore.
Just my 2cents, but the furler/jib etc....is big bucks for something you won't need once you've had more time on the boat.
I'm not too worried about the cost of a furling jib, I just like the idea of the convenience.
Standard jib is full battened. Furling jib doesn't allow battens so your jib will be less efficient.
About righting: being ± 90 kgs I only need water bag in light conditions. 4 Bft and up I manage alone even without bag...
That's what I said.
I don't want to use a bag if I don't have to. I'd much rather use the pole if it'll work well for me.
Try danberger@mindspring.com as he has had a ton of 14 turbo rigs and might have a furler for cheap as well as the twirly thing and pig tail for the mast tang. You can buy a good jib from Whirlwind and the bridles would probably have to be custom, but try saltydog marine. Maybe they have the measurements.
There is a kit offered by Hobie Cat for this application.
Page 12 of the catalog. #8001 Furler kit and #8002 furling jib.
The only time I really wish I had a furling Jib is when setting up or taking down the boat in higher winds. Launching or landing is just a matter of releasing the sheets at the right time.
Sam