SPINNAKER & GENNAKER FURLERS
A
furler is the ideal system to set and strike light sails. In a race utilizing
multiple furlers for various sails, Karver offers the advantage of roller
furling without the weight and windage of a conventional roller reefing
systems. K.F. Furlers optimize sail handling with minimal weight aloft.
Karver
is an industry leader in this concept offering a complete range of superior
products for all sailors.
The spool or lower mechanism attached to the deck:
An
elastic impact resistant plastic cover encloses the spool. In the event of an
impact it resists all permanent deformation that may restrict or interfere with
the systems ability to rotate. The plastic cover avoids potential scratches and
tears that may occur with a metallic covers when the mechanism is taken off or
stored with the sails and sheets.
Engaging the loop line (patented):
K.F.
Furlers have a notch on the spool allowing fitting or removal of the loop line
with out removing the line cover or dismounting the system.
Advantages:
Eliminates
the need to remove the cover and avoids the risk of loosing small parts
(screws, pins…).
Keeps
the mechanism closer to the deck by avoiding the necessary displacement
required for removable covers.
The
loop line is simply and quickly engaged or removed from the spool through the
notch.
Increases
available luff length by minimizing the height of the spool and tack fitting.
The swivel or upper mechanism:
The
loads applied to a furler are particularly high on the swivel. Karver utilizes
high resistance stainless steel ball bearings to ensure smooth rotation under
the most extreme loads.
All
K.F. Furlers are maintenance free and protected by a special anodizing with
Teflon impregnation.
No
pins or small parts to loose.
Simple
attachment systems provide for a conventional snap shackle or a 2:1 block
either on top of the swivel or below the spool.
H.R.
Shackles and specials thimbles (aluminium or stainless steel) are also
available for each furler.
Reefing or furling systems?
Unlike
conventional reefing systems that are fixed to the stay and have rigid
extrusions, a furler is a light cast off system that allows ease of deploying
and striking a sail with the added convenience of lowering and storage of the
rolled sail, minimizing weight and windage aloft.
The
rolled sail is easily removed from the sail locker, the drum attached to the
deck and a halyard attached to the swivel. Raise the rolled sail and simple
unroll it and set the sheets. In addition a single furler may be utilized on
numerous sails (gennaker, staysail, stormsail,...) improving sail handling and
overall safety aboard
Self Locking Drum:
All
our fulers are fitted with a self locking drum.
The
drum itself is machined to finish in a self locking”V” groove allowing the
furling line to grip and rotate the drum.
The
furling line is spliced (or lashed) into a continuous line, allowing unlimited
furling. (Ideal for large overlapping sails).
The
drum being of a larger diameter than a conventional single line furler, gives
more torque for the same pulling force, therefore making furling easier.
The
height of the drum is also greatly reduced, putting the tack of the sail lower
to the deck (for a more efficient sail).
Flying sails furler:
Mainly
used for gennaker but also for storm sails, the furled sail is easily hoisted
and removed.
Our
quick released pin system allows to use different sails on a same system
A lock combined to our furler:
The
lock mechanism holds the top swivel aloft and is all automatic with the locking
and unlocking of the sail controlled by the halyard.
The
head of the sail being fixed, tension in the luff is then applied through a
block and tackle mounted under the drum itself.
Advantages:
No
more loaded halyard therefore halyard could be reduced in diameter
No
more 2 :1 block on the swivel, reducing the overall length of halyard on deck
and saving crucial weight aloft.
Less
compression in the mast since no more halyard load. All the force on the luff
going directly in reducing luff sag and not holding the sail.
No
more trip line than could be in the way: automatic locking and unlocking system
using the halyard
The
StayFurler is a structural furler that stays permanently in position.
The
drum is fitted on deck and connected to the top swivel by an anti-twist textile
cable that replaces the headstay.
The
sail is lashed to the swivel or locked on the swivel to be able to lower it
easily.
The
weight saved compare to classical reefing system (fixed rod stay + mechanism)
is approximately 70%!
Uses
being multiple and personalized, don’t hesitate to contact us for more infos.
Example
of a 60' Open monohull:
1) The Gennaker:
On a 2/1 or 3/1 halyard. It allows the use of a large sail for
light air or downwind sailing that can be rolled, lowered and quickly stored
when sailing upwind.
2) The Genoa:
Always
up, the systems includes a textile forestay around which the sail is rolled. It
is light and provides a very good leading edge to the sail.
3) The Solent:
Fixed
or removable it replaces the genoa in stronger winds and move the sail centre
of effort backwards. A 3/1 purchase can be fitted on the swivel or under the
drum to adjust the luff tension.
4) The Staysail/Storm Jib:
Used in strong winds this sail does not stay up but is quickly put in place or dropped with a 2/1 halyard.
Used in strong winds this sail does not stay up but is quickly put in place or dropped with a 2/1 halyard.
