Courtesy of Harken

Harken MKIV Under-Deck Furler

Leave it to the experts at Harken Yacht Equipment to come up with a graceful solution to the inherent problem of roller furlers on raceboats. Above-deck furlers create extra windage, need more maintenance because of their exposure to water and sun, and don't allow the foot of the headsail to sit at deck level, which leads to a poorly shaped sail. The main bit of the Harken MKIV Under-Deck Furler, the furler drum itself, mounts belowdecks, which solves all the issues mentioned above. 

According to Harken, the MKIV is easy to disconnect for mast removal, as the headstay disconnects from a toggle at deck level, which allows the furler drum to stay mounted. For better rig control downwind, the MKIV uses a universal joint on the foil to allow headstay sag when the backstay's eased. The headfoil, which is aerodynamically shaped, uses twin grooves to allow for in-line sail changes. The MKIV is available in three sizes for boats ranging from 28 to 60 feet in length. From $2,391, www.harken.com

Courtesy of Colligo Marine

Colligo CN5 COntinuous Line Luff Furler

Although the new Colligo CN5 Continuous Line Luff Furler is offered as a solution for cruisers, we think it's a natural for anyone looking to add a staysail furling system to their asymmetric spinnaker setup. Designed for gennakers, screechers, Code Zeros, and  staysails, this continuous drive line system is made of precision-machined aluminum, is good for boats up to 48 feet, and has a 6,000-pound working load. For furling staysail applications just clip on a halyard, tack the furler drum to a padeye on centerline, haul it up, and unroll it. Need to jibe? Roll it up and let it down. Even the maintenance is easy, as heavy duty sealed thrust bearings in a sealed housing ensure no corrosion problems, according to the manufacturer. $1,495, www.colligo.com

Shakespeare Galaxy SRA-40

With the merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio services finally approved by the FCC, subscribers can access an expanded world of station options, but only if they have an antenna capable of receiving transmissions from both company's satellites.  Shakespeare's new Galaxy SRA-40 Satellite Radio Antenna is approved by the engineering departments of both Sirius and XM, so boat owners can now have an antenna designed specifically for marine applications that can connect to either Sirius or XM receivers.

Housed in a white plastic specifically designed for all-weather use, this compact antenna measures only 3.5" in diameter by 1.35" high, which makes it ideal for sailboats. The new antenna comes with a 25-foot low-loss cable featuring a quick-disconnect, gold-plated TNC connector at the antenna's base and requires no separate power cable. The antenna's single-cable design fits newer receivers, and a separate adapter retrofits to older, dual-input models. $109.95, www.shakespeare-marine.com.