[Alberg30] Roller Furling on head sail

[chrishardy]

I    had a very severe halyard wrap with a Harken furler two years ago 
while alone offshore in very windy conditions. I was unable to either 
furl or extend the 150% sail to drop it.( I was thankful I was sailing 
anAlberg) It was my first experience with a roller reefer/furling. 
Harken does not use a wrap stop like the Profurl unit, they rely on 
proper halyard lead and tension. I have since added a lanyard to my 
headsail in order to get the swivel very high on the foil so very little 
if any halyard remains exposed. This is essential in the Harken units. 
In addition do not use rope clutches to tension furler halyards as when 
they slip and the swivel lowers a bit you are inviting wrap. I have gone 
to a cleat on the mast base to secure my halyard beyond the clutch. 
(clutches are handy for raising headsails with luff tapes while you are 
by yourself as you run back and forth feeding and raising). If I where 
in the market for a furler I would go with the profurl I think the are a 
better unit for cruising. Also spend a little extra for the largest unit 
appropriate for your boat ,going to the smaller side is not a good idea.
Since my bad experience I have noticed many Harken Installations where 
the swivel is fairly low with alot of Halyard showing and this is very 
bad. Also never use a winch to furl with a roller reefer. If you do and 
you have a wrap you will damage the forestay and very possibly loose the 
whole rig over the side.   Chris

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