http://www.cruisingworld.com/news/narc-update (Mentions the autopilot issues of Triple Stars)

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2011-11-14

Roller furling mains are subject to HI-HO (Halfway In - Halfway Out) issues. Of course a lot of boats have gone across oceans with them. Little Harbor Yachts, and beyond. BUT when the don't work, or if you try to overpower a problem in winding and they jam because you forced it, then you're screwed.

In the few times that I've been on a boat that has problems with them: i) if it starts to roll-in, they you need pull it out and fix whatever is causing the problem, ii) If you're not "on the wind" in heavy winds and don't unload the sail, then you're much more likely to have an issue, iii) when it's dark, you have a bunch or canvas up, or don't look at what you're doing when you wind the sail in, you're more likely to have a problem.

I know that turning into the wind in 40-50 knot winds and 25-30' "short" waves is easier said than done, but if you're not prepared to do that. Then you really need to get the sail rolled in to Storm Jib sizes (properly) well before the wind comes up...or else.

A Leisure Furl in-the-boom system is probably better, but is pretty sensitive to mistakes in winding it in. The big difference: If all else fails, you drop it and tie the thing up. That isn't a real option if you get the in-the-boom system jammed up with a sail out.

We have a Dutchman system. I think that Lazy Jacks or Dutchman is the way to go. I like Dutchman, but it makes putting a trysail on more complicated.

My Longest experience with one:

I tried to help three people pull a main OUT at a dock on a Beneteau 30. After 2 hours of grunting, pulling out, rolling a little in, pulling out, etc. etc., we managed to get about 1/3rd of the 2/3rds that was rolled in. There was no wind at all. That was a far as we could get. Tthat had an old main that really wasn't flat enough any more -- and if was just started WRONG. The Owner had WINCHED and jammed what was there in the mast.

Finally Quantum came and Cut the thing apart- eventually they got what was left out. Not pretty.