MacGregorSailors.com

Terry--I adhere to KISS sailing--I have traded headsails while racing and found that two slots in the foil worked best when changing 2 sails. Sails without reefing luff pads are more efficient, point higher, are easier to hoist, less expensive, and can be bagged much faster.

So, if you are not into high performance sailing, the average single slot roller furler with a 150 genny with reefing luff pad will work. You can sew the pad onto your existing sail for about $6-8.00/ft. Just don't expect to out point a Precourt

I am changing our my CDI FF2 for a Schaeffer CF700 furler with a 104 jib--no luff pad 'cause pointing is more important to me---and if things get too wild, roll up the jib and sail on the main, just like Roger sez in his movie . If you don't trailer, then any aluminum foiled system will work--Harken, Profurl, etc. Since I intend to road travel long distances this season, I will remove the jib from the furler/forestay while trailering to reduce sail damage at 65 MPH so a quality flexible foil is important.

OK bscott, time to take it off line, check your PM messages, I need more details.

bscott,

Beg to differ on the reefing/pointing. I can point to about 30-35 deg apparent with my 105 jib w/ luff pad. Reefs great too. Still points high. I reef my jib before taking a reef on the main. It also helps to reef some jib while on the first reef rather than going to the second reef. Helps to balance things out. When it’s really hairy, I sail with double reefed main and storm sized furled jib. To be fair, I use runners which help pointing quite a bit.

As for the CF700, doesn't that use #5 tape? Are you doing a mod to your sail so it fits?

Cheers,
Leon

Now this is the kind of thread I love to read!

Keep it up guys!

Hey Alex, how did you get that pic of John's boat?


Hey John, I don't think my M will sail as well cutter rigged as yours does without those hard chines you have.

Probably gonna have to settle for one at a time.

G

Never leave the dock without a bikini!

delevi wrote:As for the CF700, doesn't that use #5 tape? Are you doing a mod to your sail so it fits?

The SnapFurl 700 uses a #6 luff tape, but it costs ~a BoatBuck.
The SnapFurl 500 is half the price, but uses the #5 luff tape.

Means you either buy the less costly SnapFurl and spend money to mod the Genny,
or spend big for the 700, which can take your existing #6 luff tape.

beene wrote:Now this is the kind of thread I love to read!

Keep it up guys!

You see beene, it is not about bashing the Mac, it is about improving it.
I believe it was Frank C who said it best in an old archived post:
"Pimp My Ride"
That seems to say it for me. I have yet to find a vessel moere suited to the PNW sailing venue (considering all variables, tides currents, seasons etc.) than the Mac 26, it is a tough act to beat.
Check out this furler:
http://shop.sailnet.com/product_info.p ... _id/28033
It is members like delevi and highlander who generate the inspiration to take these boats to their full potential. We are only limited by our wallets and imagination (imagination is expressed on the mods page). I just received a couple of pics from John showing his MacCutter out on the water, I think he wants me to turn a deeper shade of green.

Frank--the Snapfurl can be had for $873 at www.mauriprosailing.com Edit: You have to go to a 5/32 forestay with the CF700, so add $80.00
Yes the CF500 is a #5 tape, a tape change is $8.00/ft at your local sail loft. The CF500 uses a 1/8 to 5/32 forestay and I don't think Schaeffer would recommend the CF500 for a Mac with a 150 genny.

delevi--I didn't say you couldn't point well with a reefing pad, I said you will lose sailing efficiency(measured in fractions of knots). Most manufactures do not recommend a luff pad with a jib unless you are in extremely windy venues(like yours). You can roll-up a standard jib to 50% and still have a fairly good shape.

Your good pointing is probably because of those great new Pentex sail, improved rudders and that weighted dagger bard

Suggested reading: "Looking at Sails" by Dick Kenny and "Sailing Fundamentals" by Gary Jobson.

The SnapFurl 700 uses a #6 luff tape, but it costs ~a BoatBuck.

My bad Frank. I remember that the Schaffer rep told us at the boat show about the CF700 taking #6 tape but when I looked up the specs online, I thought I saw #5 for the CF700. The specs page actually is for all their units in sequential order, so I looked at the CF500 by mistake. It does require at least a 5/32 headstay, which is not a problem for me, but a required mod for anyone looking to buy this system. I actually recommend the 5/32" headstay. Nice way to stiffen the jib luff, extra security, and fairly inexpensive. While at it, shortening it by 2" from stock, combined with minimum turnbuckle settings will all but eliminate weather helm. At least on the

bscott,

Point taken.

Leon

Removed because after posting. I realized that the Frank C. quote maybe taken out of context with the pic I had posted & I would not want that

j

Thanks for removing that less than stellar pic John.

Something about staring at the sun comes to mind.

G

Gadzonkers Wish I didn't see that right before breakfast

Well according to the link bscott provided it appears to be #5 luff tape and 3/16 or 6/32 to 7/32 forestay. What gives here, mixed messages?
http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/me ... de=FUR2026

Terry,

This should answer your questions:
Click Here Then click on furler statistics at the top of the page. Make sure to read the part for the correct system (like I didn't do last time)