.

Because I'm only a recreational sailor, and am frustrated with the whole "jib hang up thing". (although the suggestions that replied to my previous post were helpful) I have a couple of possibly stupid questions.

What is the difference between a jib for a roller furler and a standard jib? Can I use my jib without battens. ( since I don't race and I don't adjust it any more than I have to since I sail alone 90% of the time) , I really only use it to help when I tack. In addition to that question, is it possible to add a roller furler, and use my current jib (without battens)? I live on the south shore, I usually come in on a reach, and have a very narrow space between my dock and my racks where I keep my 16 and 14. It is a lot easier to depower and get my 14 in the "sweet spot" between the two. With my 16, I have to wait for a lull, and even then sometimes I come in too hot and have to make several attempts. Right now, I unfasten my jib blocks and let the jib flap around. Since my sails are only two years old, I hate to have them flap around so much, and worry about breaking down the fabric...... spent waaaay too much money to let that happen. Seems like furling would be the way to go... I already have some threads that are fraying.... not sure if that's from the wild luffing, or the hang ups and Pushing the jib over.

I do realize that performance may suffer, but I own the only two Hobies on the lake, and doubt even with a lack of a perfectly shaped jib, that any of the sunfish or other misc monohulls could come close to my speed... or fun when flying a hull.

Thanks
Bob