Karver – High-Performance Deck Hardware

Karver is recognised for producing advanced, performance-focused sailing hardware designed for both cruising yachts and high-end raceboats. Their product development emphasises low friction, high load capability, lightweight materials, and intuitive operation. Across furlers, locks, blocks, jammers, winches, and mast systems, Karver consistently integrates engineering-led design to improve sail handling and overall onboard efficiency.

Karver Furlers

Karver furlers remain one of the most distinctive product families in their portfolio. A Karver furler is a drum-and-cable system fitted to the forestay, allowing controlled furling and unfurling of headsails such as genoas and code zeros. Instead of hoisting or dropping a sail manually, the sailor uses a continuous line or winch, enabling smooth deployment and reliable recovery under varying load conditions.

Karver’s main line, the KF Standard V3, is engineered for compact dimensions, high mechanical efficiency, and minimal weight aloft. A key feature is the patented Carbon/Kevlar continuous-line wheel, which improves strength-to-weight ratio and provides a clean, efficient interface for furling line management.

Karver offers four versions of the KF V3:

- Standard – the core high-performance unit

- Eco Concept – incorporating recycled and eco-optimised materials

- Racing – refined for minimum weight and maximum responsiveness

- Structural – engineered for heavier load cases and structural stays

Additional accessories such as the KTS Spinnaker Adaptor extend functionality by allowing certain spinnakers or reaching sails to be safely furled. Overall, Karver furlers are valued for predictable handling, low friction, and carefully engineered load pathways.

Karver Locks

Karver locks provide a precise and controlled method of transferring sail loads from the halyard onto the mast structure, reducing halyard stretch and improving long-term sail trim consistency. Once a sail is hoisted, the lock engages and carries the load, freeing the halyard and stabilising the sail’s position under high tension.

Karver offers a clearly structured lock portfolio:

- KFH External Furling Lock – integrates a swivel and locking element for furling and locking simultaneously

- KHL External Lock – suitable for non-furled headsails

- KHR Reefing Locks – developed specifically for mainsail reef points

- KMS Mainsail Locks – designed to withstand substantial vertical loads from modern mainsail handling

These systems integrate seamlessly with Karver furlers and mast hardware, offering reduced wear, improved trim control, and reliable load transfer.

Karver Blocks

Karver blocks are designed to optimise mechanical efficiency through low-friction bearing systems and lightweight construction. As essential pulleys for redirecting or multiplying load on control lines, their performance directly affects trimming speed and line handling.

Two of Karver’s principal block families include:

- KBO Multipurpose Blocks – single, double, and triple sheave configurations; lightweight; low-friction roller bearings; suited to halyards, sheets, and control lines

- KBR High-Load Blocks – built with titanium and fitted with ceramic bearings; suitable for high-load applications such as mainsheet systems or heavy halyard loads

Karver’s emphasis on friction reduction and advanced materials leads to smoother line movement, extended line life, and improved mechanical efficiency throughout the rig.

Karver Jammers

Karver’s KJ jammer series introduces a three-jaw conical mechanism in place of traditional twin-jaw compression systems. This design offers significant improvements in holding power and consistent grip under high load. Karver jammers still maintain straightforward operation, with a simple release handle for quick disengagement.

The KJ range includes:

- KJ10

- KJ12

- KJ15

Each size is available in aluminium or carbon fibre to meet specific strength and weight requirements. These jammers are used for securing loaded lines, assisting manoeuvres, or creating temporary anchor points during complex trimming operations.

Karver Winches

Karver winches are well known for delivering high mechanical efficiency and fast line retrieval. As core tools for managing sheets, halyards, and loaded control lines, they are engineered for durability, power transfer, and intuitive operation. The winch drum, powered by a handle, offers the ability to apply significant load with minimal input effort.

Key Karver winch lines include:

- KCW Compact Winches – ultra-compact, lightweight; two-gear options; ideal for smaller yachts

- KSW Extra Speed Winches – prioritise rapid line take-up for faster trimming cycles

Many models feature a dual-gear system blending high-speed retrieval with a lower-gear power mode, supported by materials such as titanium and stainless steel to ensure long-term robustness and smooth operation.

Karver Mast Systems

Karver mast systems combine low-friction mast tracks with high-performance cars to improve hoisting, lowering, and controlling mainsails. The tracks—typically lightweight aluminium sections—provide a precise interface for the cars, which roll or slide using optimised wheel systems to reduce friction.

Karver structures its mast equipment around:

- KMS (Karver Mast Systems) – complete solutions tailored to yacht size and expected sail loads

- Karver Mast Cars – compatible with Karver tracks and selected third-party mast-track profiles

Further refinement comes from options such as headboard car locking mechanisms, which secure the sail at the masthead, improving reefing operations and stability in heavy weather. The focus on low friction, controlled movement, and minimal weight aloft makes Karver mast systems a strong choice for performance-oriented sail handling.