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These limitations were all true of the first generation roller booms, but
modern
roller booms are (apparently) much better. They keep much better (still not
perfect though) sail shape, and some allow normal attachments to the boom.
Most, however, require a HARD boom vang, that is one that supports as well
as pulls down on the boom. The newer ones are also much more expensive
and on a Potter 19 it probably isn't worth the cost when jiffy reefing is
so easy.
If you install 2 jiffy reefing systems, then you get 2 reef points. If
you ever expect
to need more than that, you will probably want to change sails as it will
be VERY
rough. (You can probably sail on just the main, albeit with extra weather
helm,
or with a tiny jib (trysail?))
The jib reefers, however, are wonderful (emptor caveat - I have only sailed on
a Siren 17, not a Potter). The only problem there is pointing in very low
winds
(which is not something I usually care about as I am usually moored by the time
the winds drop around where I sail.)
>From: Dave & Francesca Kautz <dfkautz@pacbell.net>
>Subject: Re: furling boom
>
>Roller furling booms have a couple of limitations:
>
>First of all, the sail shape of the roller reefed sail is often baggy
>and full because there is no "outhaul" on the reefed foot. If it's
>windy, and it usually is when you need to reef, you want a flatter sail
>to reduce heeling and lower drag if you want to make much progress to
>windward.
>
>Second, you can have little or no hardware along the length of the boom.
>Any protrusion is a potential source of damage or chafe to the reefed
>sail. Boom end sheeting is a must and there has to be a special rotating
>fitting there (often just a tang on a center pivot).
>
>Third, it's a hassle. In smaller boats, you usually had to pull the boom
>back afainst a spring to unlock it while turning it, kind of an unwieldy
>thing to do while simultaneously handling the halyard. If you spend much
>time looking at used MacGregors, Balboas, etc. you will find that a
>number of them that originally had roller reefing have been converted to
>slab reefing.
>
>The advantages of roller reefing? Almost infinitely variable sail size
>and no little lines to tie.
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