Good moring Bill and GL,
Let me share what I've discovered that might inspire you (easiest way to Google search is DIY roller furler and look at pictures).
My previous boat (Sunbird) had a nice legitimate integrated jib and furling system that rotated on luff and was tensioned with a 2:1 purchase. I didn't realize that this could have replaced the fore-stay, so I had both up with the furled jib immediate aft. Problem was jib tended to tangle on fore-stay unless you were very careful when furling. I probably should have eliminated the fore-stay, since it went slack under full sail anyway (jib was taking the load). Another problem was continuous line tended to slip in drum (drum looked like it was damaged some how) and jib would unroll unexpectedly. Here's the hardware they used (I assume you'd need to reconfigure jib halyard to create 2:1 or 3:1 tensionsing - And I'd cleat it to the mast so no one accidentally releases it and create an "Uh-oh!" moment) :
http://www.thechandleryonline.com/produ ... ts_id=7026Various people tried to duplicate this for less money. Here's one:
http://navigatorjoel.blogspot.com/2010/ ... er-40.htmlHere's a system like you propose, Bill. Note halyard runs up jib luff so everything spins together. What I wonder is if the jib really rolls smoothly around pvc or does it sort of wind from top down and bottom up. I guess you could get cute and either put a track on the pvc and slides on sail, or get really cute and create a groove - two concentric pvc tubes with saw kerf in outer?
From Compac owner's forum - follow discussion
http://cpyoa.geekworkshosting.com/forum ... 6#msg43516Then go to pictures:
http://s1167.photobucket.com/user/mando ... sort=3&o=4West marine article discusses anti-twist "torque" rope in luff. I didn't think of this, but if you are using the luff as a head stay and twirling it, then twist laid wire could conceivable un-twist if you spun it wrong way. I can imagine with single line furler you could control direction of twist, but with continuous loop, you could turn either way.
http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/U ... er-FurlingHere are some questions:
How do I know if the jib luff wire is strong enough to replace the fore-stay?
Which way does wire usually twist (I am away from boat at the moment)? Should I worry about this?