After sailing wire boats for many years. deep notch with hydraulic pads was the next evolution, better performance, you could push up to 10/12’ sea’, hellish if you had to get out and tow if you waited that long. Then came Bludworth and Intercon. Bludworth a good improvement combined with deep notch, but not the best solution… I never met an Intercon system I didn’t adore. Good up to 20-25’. Intercon more costly? Yes, in the initial install, but quick payback in efficiency, lost time, and crew comfort. A weather eye before sailing and during the trip of any of those systems is crucial so as to change route/course to protect the integrity of the unit. I don’t recall any of our Intercon units ever having to tow, especially now that they are in ballast while empty.
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