Code zero furling sets

What accessories do I need?

Key elements of a code zero system, in addition to the drum and swivel, are: Torsional cable, Furling line for the drum, Double fairleads

However, there are other accessory options for the drum and swivel but the requirement for these depends on your setup. Key considerations are:

• A purchase system / tack line under the drum allows you to easily bring the furler back to the bow to change sails (with a fixed bowsprit) and also allows fine tune luff control. Most manufacturers produce 3:1 friction sheaves which attach to the bottom of the drum

• 2:1 Halyard blocks – on very small boats (<35ft) you can get away with a 2:1 halyard shackle but most manufacturers produce their own 2:1 blocks which attach to the spindle on the top of the swivel for use with a 2:1 halyard 

What is the best code zero furler set up

Simplest – code zero drum attached to bowsprit with snap shackle, 1:1 halyard. Performance – code zero drum attached to bowsprit with snap shackle, 2:1 halyard improves luff control and reduces rig compression. Grandprix – Halyard hoisted into a halyard lock which removes mast compression, drum on a 3:1 purchase system for luff tension control.

Can I use a code zero furler for a staysail and what are the setup options for a furling staysail

Yes, it is common to use the same style continuous line furler for a furling staysail around a torsional furling cable. Whilst, in theory, it would be possible to use the same furler, most customers prefer to have a dedicated staysail furler so the staysail can be left in situ and even used at the same time as the code zero. In terms of size – in is considered sensible to use the same size furler for both code zero and staysail. Working loads are generally lower on a staysail but using the same size allows some redundancy in your furling systems. I.e. in the event of damage to either furler, or swivel, they can be interchanged.

Staysail setup options

More detail on staysail setup options can be found in this blog staysail setup. In general terms it is the same as code zero setup

• Simplest – code zero drum attached to bowsprit with snap shackle, 1:1 halyard
• Performance – code zero drum attached to bowsprit with snap shackle, 2:1 halyard improves luff control and reduces rig compression

• Grandprix – Halyard hoisted into a halyard lock which removes mast compression, drum on a 3:1 purchase system for luff tension control

Is the torsional cable included with the furler?

No – the majority of furler manufacturers do not supply a torsional cable with the furler. Most manufacturers supply furling thimbles designed for use with torsional rope, which can be fitted by an end customer using cable clamps to terminate the torsional rope.

What size furler do I need for my boat

There are many factors involved in identifying the right size furler for you needs. The starting point for a code zero is Safe Working `load (SWL) of the system. Any recommendations, based on boat length, are generic, usually based on a medium displacement monohull. But then your system choice can be refined basedon various other factors including sail type/size and sailing style. We offer a summary here