I sail and have mostly sailed solo. For several years, i use all hanked on sails with downhaul lines. On my monohull, the aspect of this practice i most disliked was the beating my sails took because of being on the deck, being walked upon, snagged on many items, occasionally in the water, etc. They took a beating. When I installed roller furling, the sails were cleaner and did not accumulate holes from some miniscule piece of sand or other debris that found its way aboard and then pierced the cloth when I stepped on the sail whilst trying to flake it and fold it.
The other benefit is that I can carry the sail longer and will use it more frequently because of the ease of setting and of furling. So, for me it is no contest. I prefer a furler for the cruiser.
BTW, I think the furlers have become much more reliable in the past fifteen years. I had little or no dificulties with mine.
Jim
: I am about to put up my mast for the 1st time this coming Monday. I have 3 halyards main, jib, and spin;At 1st I was thinking that i would NOT use a roller furler on the jib to keep things simple. But am now having 2nd thoughts about it. The main thing I don't like is that the sail stays on the boat at all times because it becomes the forestay. Any one have any good input?
: After the mast is up all that is left is get the sails! might make it this year!
: Ralph