In-boom furling

[Bryanjb]

I had a Leisurefurl on a 38 foot boat. I liked it a bunch, but I tore through a luff tape almost every year. I sold the boat 6 years ago. The new owner hasn't torn a tape yet.

Miles sailed? We sail about 50 hours a month in the Caribbean trades and also do passages . Our mainsail has 6 full length battens, and C size Batt Cars. I’m afraid the luff tape would have to be replaced quite frequently with in boom furling. Sun, salt and big wind/seas are very tough on gear. We’re rarely in a marina so the opportunity to flush gear routinely with fresh water is miss.

 

[AnIdiot]

Miles sailed? We sail about 50 hours a month in the Caribbean trades and also do passages . Our mainsail has 6 full length battens, and C size Batt Cars. I’m afraid the luff tape would have to be replaced quite frequently with in boom furling. Sun, salt and big wind/seas are very tough on gear. We’re rarely in a marina so the opportunity to flush gear routinely with fresh water is miss.

Again, think this depends on the design. I've just had a ten year old luff tape replaced. We have only four battens, though, so it sounds like your main is a good deal bigger.

 

[Tylo]

It looked like 3di material. Can’t say for sure but it certainly wasn’t a woven cloth.

Looks brutal! Partially furled and then got stuck and exploded? Or was it cut? I feel like it would be down rather than lashed to the mast if it had been cut.
Scary thoughts!

 

[Panoramix]

For those who don't want to reef :

 

[Jim in Halifax]

The boat that Mr. Bibs built...and it looks it.