Headsail prefeeder

[mherrcat]

I found one of these in a bin full of spar parts, etc. on my boat and discovered that it is a "prefeeder." How does this work?

 

[treilley]

It is basically used to "pre-feed" the luff tape into the foil. It will help to align the luff tape when raising the headsail. It should be attached between the tack(connection to furler) and the bottom end of the foil slot. See the link for how the profurls use a pre feeder.

http://www.mauriprosailing.com/Profurl/Profurl-racing-units.htm

 

[mherrcat]

Does it attach to the foil? How? There is a metal guide permanently attached at the bottom of the foil slot; I take it this piece goes below that, but I haven't figured how it attaches. Is it something that remains in place permanently?

I've only had the headsail off twice, once to check and clean the swivel and once to clean the sail. Doesn't seem like something I would use on a regular basis.

 

[treilley]

Mark, different furlers have different types of prefeeders and ways to attach them. You should check your manual.

Personally I do not use a prefeeder as I only put my sail up once per season and I have someone assist.

This is most usefull for races that may be changing sails frequently.