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Roller Furling

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alligood
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/04/2003 : 11:34:21

Hello,

I have received the approval from my wife to upgrade my 1981 Swing Keel Standard Rig! Her exact words were something like "make it nice and easy to handle." My first big purchase is a roller furler, and I wanted some advice.

The boat is in a wet slip year-round, and I don't even own a trailer. I know a lot of folks like the CDI system, but I am considering a Harken furler as well. I would certainly appreciate some feedback on the various alternatives, and cost is not a MAJOR consideration (within reason).

Thanks in advance for the feedback, and I certainly enjoy reading the many posts and perusing the tech tips sections as well.

Jeff
'81 Catalina 25
SK Standard Rig

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

Members Avatar

Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 16:23:30

The Harken is a top-of-the-line unit--a good investment. I've also read good comments about Schaefer, and I like their open design. Whichever, it'll change your life!

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - dave b on 08/04/2003 16:26:13

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 16:35:40

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Whichever, it'll change your life!
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

For better or for worse, right, Dave? <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> No, no, I don't really want to start THAT thread again.

J.B. Manley, Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, NE Oklahoma

Edited by - on

seads
1st Mate

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USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 16:46:53

I thought I'd put in my 2 cents on the CDI. We really like it, which I know you've heard before. It may not be as glamorous as some of the "big name" systems, but so far it has worked great. Since it has an internal halyard there is no chance for hangups up top. It furls and unfurls with in a snap and believe me, if we got ours on by ourselves, anyone can install one!

Stewart Eads
"Osprey" 1982 FK/SR #3408
Charleston Harbor, SC

Edited by - on

skipn809
Navigator

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111 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 17:43:55

I had a Snapfurler on my last boat and really liked it. The price was right, from Sailnet, and it worked well. I have a continous line CDI on my current boat, and the jury is still out because I haven't sailed much with it. I would say if you have more than one jib to hoist, go with the Snapfurler-- it is easier to change sails with it than the CDI I have. Which ever, get a furler-- you won't regret it, unless you are into racing and quick sail changes.

Skip 1985 C-25 T/R #5121 "Corporal Punishment" N.E. Mo.

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 20:16:32

An advantage to CDI is that you are left with your original jib halyard, to use as you see fit, perhaps a minor benefit, but a benefit none the less, fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 20:16:42

An advantage to CDI is that you are left with your original jib halyard, to use as you see fit, perhaps a minor benefit, but a benefit none the less, fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 20:16:52

An advantage to CDI is that you are left with your original jib halyard, to use as you see fit, perhaps a minor benefit, but a benefit none the less, fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL

Edited by - on

rwdutton
1st Mate

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USA
52 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2003 : 21:07:28

When we bought Puff, she had a CDI (very old) furler. As I looked at the options, I did indeed consider the Harken and Shaefer, as it might make it easier to change head sails (we do a little club racing). However, I would have had to shell out $200 to change the luff tape on my existing 153 genoa. At the end of the day, we bought a new CDI furler -- with ball bearings -- through Catalina Direct for a great price, and my partner and I installed it ourselves. It will indeed change your sailing experience.
... and you do have an extra halyard when you are finished. Cheers!

Bob Dutton
Puff #4336 84 SR/FK
Westport, CT

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 09:16:49

I do not have a furler myself, but when i was surveying my boat I was accompanied by a friend of my broker when we had to sail across the lake to the lift. He is a racer, a licensed captain, and is employed by the local sail shop to rig all of their new catalinas and hunters. He highly recommended the Profurl brand. He says that he has installed many and has had no problems.
I trailer sail so it is not appropriate for me as it has an aluminum foil. This is from the Profurl people themselves. The Profurl tech rep recommended the new Schaeffer CF 700. You gotta respect a company which will tell you not to buy their product as it wasn't appropriate. When was the last time you heard of that?
Good luck in your purchase.
I'm saving up the bucks for a unit myself.
What kind of sail will you get?

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

Edited by - on

svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 09:26:22

When I was looking I narrowed my choices down to the Schaefer SnapFurl and the Hood SeaFlex. I went with the Hood SeaFlex and have been very pleased with the unit and overwhelmed with good customer service and support.

I recently added a Schaefer furling line bullseye that mounts on the aft downtube of the bow pulpit. It gave the flexibility to get perfect alignment on the furling line as it enters the drum. Regardless of the unit you purchase look seriously at this item.

<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/d01338_f.jpg" border=0>

Clif Thompson
Treasurer C-25/250 National Association.
svMoxie '81 25 sk

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 11:51:56

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...I went with the Hood SeaFlex and have been very pleased with the unit and overwhelmed with good customer service and support.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Clif: How did you get in touch with Hood? I've searched all over the Web and found nothing but an Argentine site in Spanish... I'd like to get some info on the Hood furler that came on our boat.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - dave b on 08/05/2003 11:52:30

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 12:03:01

Dave,

For Hood Yacht Systems, try this:

www.pompanette.com/hood

I just ordered some parts on the phone from them, very helpful.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
Half Moon Bay, CA

Edited by - on

skipn809
Navigator

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111 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 12:09:01

I've order from Pompanette before, and can recommend them.

Skip 1985 C-25 T/R #5121 "Corporal Punishment" N.E. Mo.

Edited by - on

alligood
Deckhand

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USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 20:34:27

Folks,

Thanks much for the many responses! Too bad the issue just got more confusing for me!! That's okay, in that it seems as though I have several very viable alternatives, and also some points were raised that I haven't thought about.

To answer one question that was asked, I have the intention of using an existing 150 genoa with my new furler. My father-in-law did just that with his Tartan 34 years ago (using a Harken furler). I'd like to purchase a new sail, but the money must go first toward a furler (then probably to flowers, etc. for my wife when she finds out the money I spent!).

Thanks again for the responses!

Jeff

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 08:23:00

Just to add two cents' worth at the end of the discussion:

If money is an issue, the CDI furler is the least expensive on the market. It is virtually bulletproof, easy to do an owner installation, even with the mast up. If you go with CDI, I would suggest the following:

1) Make sure the line is led aft through blocks at each stanchion, and led through a spring-loaded block on the pulpit (which helps prevent "binding" of the line on the drum). Schaeffer makes one, as does Ronstan.

2) Spend the extra money and buy the ball-bearing version. If ëasy to use" is your wife's command, then avoid the solid bearing (which is just a s/s washer) like the Plague.

Dave on Wood Duck (2616)

Good Luck!

Edited by - on

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