Furlers
Continuous Line Furlers
Section titled “Continuous Line Furlers”Specifications for continuous line furling systems used for Code Zeros (Bottom-Up) and Asymmetric Spinnakers (Top-Down).
1. System Overview
Section titled “1. System Overview”Continuous line furlers allow for the handling of flying sails that are not attached to the forestay. The system consists of:
- Drum (Swivel): A continuous line driver at the tack.
- Top Swivel: A free-spinning swivel at the head.
- Torsion Cable: Transmits torque from the drum to the head (critical for Top-Down).
- Continuous Line: An endless splicing line for operating the drum.
2. Furling Types
Section titled “2. Furling Types”Bottom-Up Furling (Code Zero)
Section titled “Bottom-Up Furling (Code Zero)”- Mechanism: The tack is fixed to the drum. The sail rolls from the bottom up.
- Cable: The sail luff often encloses the cable, or the cable is integrated into the luff tape.
- Application: Code Zeros, Staysails, Drifters.
- Requirement: Sufficient luff tension to furl effectively.
Top-Down Furling (Asymmetric Spinnaker)
Section titled “Top-Down Furling (Asymmetric Spinnaker)”- Mechanism: The tack is free-rotating on the drum. The drum drives the torsion cable first, transferring torque to the top swivel. The sail starts rolling from the head down.
- Cable: Essential “Anti-Torsion” cable (AT Cable) separate from the sail luff.
- Application: Asymmetric Spinnakers (A2, A3), Gennakers.
- Benefit: Allows furling of sails with deep draft and loose luff.
3. Torsion Cables
Section titled “3. Torsion Cables”Critical for the function of the system.
| Type | Construction | Application | Torque Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard AT | Polyester/Spectra core + braided cover | Cruising Code 0 | Good |
| High-Performance | DyneemaSK78/99 core + Technora cover | Racing Code 0 | Excellent |
| Top-Down Dedicated | Multi-layer braided covers | Top-Down Systems | Maximum (Critical) |
4. Hardware Reference (UBI Maior)
Section titled “4. Hardware Reference (UBI Maior)”Common specification reference for UBI Maior FR series furlers.
FR Series (Top-Down & Bottom-Up)
Section titled “FR Series (Top-Down & Bottom-Up)”| Model | Safe Working Load (SWL) | Boat Size (Ref) | Drum Ø | Line Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR 87 | 1300 kg | 20-30 ft | 87 mm | 8 mm |
| FR 100 | 2200 kg | 30-38 ft | 100 mm | 8 mm |
| FR 125 | 4000 kg | 38-45 ft | 125 mm | 10 mm |
| FR 150 | 5000 kg | 45-55 ft | 150 mm | 10 mm |
| FR 175 | 8000 kg | 55-70 ft | 175 mm | 12 mm |
| FR 200 | 12000 kg | 70-90 ft | 200 mm | 12 mm |
Features:
- Rewind®: Ratchet system (available on some models) to prevent accidental unfurling.
- Top-Down Adapter: Optional tack swivel attachment for converting a standard drum to Top-Down.
(Note: Other common brands include Karver (KF), Facnor (FX), Selden (CX/GX).)