The Flexible Furler has been designed
to endure the rigors of frequent mast raising and lowering as well as trailering.
Because the luff is flexible, it can withstand frequent bending. But remember,
plastic is a liquid, and will take a set if left bent for a long time.
1. Never expose the luff extrusion to high temperatures (greater than 130 degrees F). Such temperatures are often reached under a cover if the boat is stored in the sun.
2. Never leave the ends, including the cup/drum assembly, unsupported while trailering. Bouncing of the ends can lead to fatigue failure of the luff. Also, don't lash an unsupported end of the luff to the deck.
3. While trailering, many owners lash the luff extrusion along the mast after they've removed the sail. As discussed in #5 above, the lower end of the system should be supported while trailering. The easiest way to do this is to lash a piece of wood to the mast. Make sure the wood sticks out past the bottom of the mast, and is long enough to support the cup/drum assembly.
4. If the mast is going to be down for more than a couple of days, the luff should be supported in many places under the mast and not draped over the spreaders.
5. Warning: The Flexible Furler is NOT designed to be used while your boat is in the water and passing under low clearance obstructions (such as bridges) with mast tipped forward and headstay attached to the bow. Lowering the mast in this manner is dangerous even without a furler, and can be further complicated by the weight of the furler and the sail.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call us and ask. (607) 749-4599.