Facnor says that lessons it has learned installing custom gear on top ocean-racing boats have been applied to its new headsail furlers for boats from 20 to 90 feet. The LX has a “bearing box” at the drum and head swivels, each containing two polymer bearings that reportedly spread loads evenly. A rotating tack fitting allows the furler drum and head to turn before the twin-groove luff extrusion, so that material in the middle of the sail is furled before the head and tack are, thus taking some of the fullness out of the reefed sail. The LS model has fewer features. Prices for units to fit a typical 30-footer: $1,601 (LX), $1,353 (LS). Charleston Spar; 704-598-1105; www.facnor.com
