What is Furling Systems?
Furling systems let sails be rolled up for easy handling. They can wrap around a rotating forestay (for headsails), inside the mast or boom (for mainsails ), or around a cable (for code zeros, gennakers, and spinnakers).
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What it is
Furling systems let sails be rolled up for easy handling. They can wrap around a rotating forestay (for headsails), inside the mast or boom (for mainsails ), or around a cable (for code zeros, gennakers, and spinnakers). While designs vary, most systems include a rod or wire with a swivel at the top and a rotating drum at the base, which is turned by a furling line. Headsail furlers are found on nearly all cruising boats, and in-mast or in-boom mainsail furling systems are becoming increasingly popular, even though they come with performance drawbacks.
What it does
Furling systems make sail handling much easier and safer, especially for short-handed crews or newer sailors. Instead of going forward to change or lower headsails, or to drop and flake the mainsail, sails can be rolled or partially rolled away right from the cockpit. This allows for quick sail reduction in changing weather, simpler reefing without leaving the cockpit, and effortless sail storage. For cruising sailors, furlers remove the need to wrestle heavy sails on deck in rough conditions.
Why it matters
Furling systems greatly improve safety by reducing the need for crew to work on deck in heavy weather, as most can be controlled from the cockpit. They enable short-handed or less experienced crews to handle sails confidently in all conditions. However, furling systems can fail. If the furler jams or breaks, the sail can't be easily rolled up or changed. Regular maintenance prevents failures that could leave you with a sail that won't furl in heavy weather. Proper maintenance of bearings, swivels, and the furling line itself is essential for reliable operation.
General Maintenance
Rinse the furling system regularly with fresh water to remove salt and dirt, paying special attention to bearings and drum. Check the furling line for wear, UV damage and proper lead, replacing annually or as needed. For in-mast or in-boom systems, inspect the mast or boom slot for debris and proper sail tracking. At the beginning of each season, inspect drum, leads and blocks for line wear grooves. Check ball bearings in the drum, halyard swivels and forestay guards for wear. Lubricate all moving parts including top and bottom bearings following manufacturer recommendations. Check all mounting hardware for tightness. Every 3-5 years consider professional service including bearing replacement, especially on heavily used systems.
Common Issues
- Bearings wearing out, making furling difficult or impossible
- Furling line breaking or jumping off drum at critical moments
- UV damage to sail leech when furled for extended periods
- Swivels or bearings seizing, preventing sail from unfurling
- Corrosion of aluminum extrusions in salt environment
- Halyard wraps around furling foil, jamming the system
- Insufficient furling line length or wrong size line
- Improper sail attachment causing binding when furling
- Damaged or stretched sails may snag when furling
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