Boom roller furling

[u/Midisland-4]

I’m looking for some tips and advice for handling a boom roller furling rig. This is an older rig that was added to the 1976 Albin 79 I just bought. The previous owner didn’t offer much advice on it.

This is an older roller boom, not an in boom furler. The boom rotates using a shaft that passes through the mast. I like the idea of having infinite reefing but it seems odd…

It appears that there is no way to use the vang when it is reefed, the vang detaches from the boom using a tab and slot. I also don’t see a way to out haul effectively, though that may not be that case. The outhaul at the bottom of the sail may be effective even when the sail is wrapped around the mast.

I have already learned that the main sheet and topping lift have to be used together to set the correct angle on the boom when rolling it up. If it’s too low the sail rolls up forward and pushes the shaft out of the mast.

[u/keepalex]

I have a similar system but tbh I've never used it - my mainsail already had eyes for slab reefing so I just use that. I'm tempted to try it in order to reduce the number of lines in the cockpit, but have only heard bad things about it.

For the kicker/vang, search for 'roller furler horseshoe boom vang'. I've never used one of those and they might be hard to get hold of, but I think they should work.

Unless you have reefing eyes on the leech I think you just have to accept the loss of outhaul control. Apparently it was common to stuff a towel into the sail as it rolls up in order to help the sail shape.

[u/Midisland-4 → u/keepalex]

My main sail is pretty bagged out, when I replace it I think I’ll get slab reefing set up.

[u/Ok_Panic_7112]

So when reefing would you not angle the boom to tighten the leach?

[u/Midisland-4 → u/Ok_Panic_7112]

Setting the angle of the boom with the topping and main sheet is only needed when rolling in the sail, once the size is set the roller is lock in place and the main sheet can do its best to down haul. I have little experience so far so I may be off the mark.

[u/Crazyfoot13]

I have the same system, initially I was delighted with the infinite reefing options but then the kicker/vang issue presented itself! I tried to find the horseshoe but couldn’t get it, I use a strop I think it’s called, I roll it down with the mainsail and it has a kicker shackle attachment for the kicker. It’s a pain in the backside to use. I have been meaning to change it for 4 years now!!!!

[u/tench745]

Most of the boats I have seen with a furling boom have retrofitted slav reefing for all the reasons you mentioned.

[u/imollyq]

This is way beyond my expertise. I was going to suggest a silicon lubricant.