Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder - 7485

Enhance your sail handling efficiency with the Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder – 7485. Designed for sailboats equipped with headsail foils and furling systems, this innovative stainless steel prefeeder simplifies sail hoisting by guiding the headsail luff tape smoothly into the foil groove.

Featuring a spring-loaded opening mechanism and durable forged 316 stainless steel construction, the Wichard 7485 allows sailors to open and close the prefeeder around the luff tape without completely removing the headsail from the foil groove.

Ideal for racing sailors, bowmen, and recreational cruising crews, this compact marine sailing accessory helps reduce sail handling time, streamline headsail changes, and improve efficiency on deck.

Key Features

• Innovative Opening Design: Allows the prefeeder to open around the headsail luff tape without requiring complete removal of the sail from the foil groove.

• Single-Handed Operation: Spring-loaded mechanism opens with a simple thumb press for quick, convenient operation.

• Forged 316 Stainless Steel: Provides excellent strength, durability, and corrosion resistance in demanding marine environments.

• Smooth Sail Hoisting: Helps guide the headsail luff tape into the foil groove for easier sail raising.

• Compatible with Headsail Foils: Designed for installation below a variety of headsail foil and reefing configurations.

• Convenient Installation: Can be secured using a suitable lashing or attached to the forestay.

• Quick-Release Jaws: Spring-operated jaws allow easy opening and closing around the sail's luff tape.

• Ideal for Racing Applications: Helps bowmen save valuable time during headsail changes and sail handling.

• Compact and Lightweight: Weighs approximately 50 grams (0.11 lbs).

• Marine-Grade Construction: Designed to withstand regular use in freshwater and saltwater sailing environments.

• Made in France: Manufactured by Wichard, a recognized producer of premium marine sailing hardware.

Faster, Easier Headsail Handling

Efficient headsail handling is essential for both competitive racing and recreational sailing. Traditional fixed prefeeders can require additional effort when removing or reinstalling the headsail luff tape.

The Wichard 7485 Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder solves this problem with a convenient spring-loaded opening design.

Instead of removing the headsail completely from the foil groove before repositioning the prefeeder, sailors can simply open the jaws, position the device around the luff tape, and close it securely.

This practical design helps simplify sail changes and reduce unnecessary handling during demanding sailing conditions.

Simple One-Handed Operation

The Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder is engineered for quick, intuitive operation.

To Open:

Press the spring mechanism with your thumb. The jaws automatically open, allowing the prefeeder to be positioned around the headsail luff tape.

To Close:

Squeeze the jaws together between your thumb and fingers until the spring reengages.

Once closed, the prefeeder guides the luff tape toward the headsail foil groove, supporting a smoother and more controlled sail hoist.

Durable Forged Stainless Steel Construction

Manufactured from 316-grade stainless steel, the Wichard 7485 offers excellent corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability.

Its forged construction provides dependable performance in demanding marine conditions, while its lightweight 50-gram design minimizes unnecessary weight on the forestay.

Whether you're racing offshore or cruising coastal waters, this high-quality sailing accessory provides a practical combination of strength, convenience, and reliability.

Specifications

• Brand: Wichard Marine

• Manufacturer Part Number: 7485

• Product Type: Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder

• Material: Forged 316 Stainless Steel

• Mechanism: Spring-Loaded Opening Jaws

• Operation: Single-Handed

• Installation: Lashing or Forestay Attachment

• Compatible Systems: Headsail Foils and Headsail Reefing Systems

• Weight: 50 g (0.11 lbs)

• Finish: Stainless Steel

• Country of Manufacture: France

• Application: Headsail Hoisting and Sail Handling

What's in the Box

• (1) Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder – 7485

Note: Mounting lashing and additional rigging accessories are not confirmed as included.

Applications

The Wichard 7485 is ideal for:

• Racing sailboats

• Cruising sailboats

• Headsail foil systems

• Roller furling and reefing systems

• Genoa and headsail handling

• Sail changes and re-hoisting operations

• Bowmen and sailboat racing crews

Installation & Compatibility

The Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder is designed to be positioned below the headsail foil or reefing system.

It can be installed using an appropriate lashing or secured to the forestay, depending on the vessel's rigging arrangement.

Important: Verify that the prefeeder can be positioned correctly beneath your headsail foil and that the luff tape passes smoothly through the device before use.

Installation Note: Follow Wichard's installation recommendations and inspect the spring mechanism and attachment regularly for proper operation.

Why Choose the Wichard Opening Luff Rope Prefeeder?

The Wichard 7485 combines an innovative opening mechanism, marine-grade stainless steel construction, and convenient single-handed operation to simplify headsail handling.

By allowing sailors to reposition the prefeeder without completely removing the headsail from the foil groove, this compact sailing accessory helps save time and improve efficiency during sail changes and hoisting operations.