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 Installing a CDI FF4 Furler		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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mrapkins
Navigator

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USA
124 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/18/2008 :  06:50:31  Show Profile
I have ordered a new CDI FF4 Furler and new 150 Genoa from National Sails. I have been looking at all the archived posts concerning the installation. I have the original forestay on my 85 Std Rig and it has no adjustment left. So, was considering buying a new forestay from CD, but the install will entail going up the mast. My marina has been trying to scare me away from this. They say that a Catalina 25 isn't strong enough for anyone over 100lbs to go up the mast. They also say that you have to go up the mast twice to install the furler, and I know that isn't true. They want about $750 to install the Furler.

So....can I go up the mast in a bosuns chair? I weigh 195 lbs. Or is it easier to drop the mast? (I'd also like to check/replace the masthead sheaves, and replace the anchor light and install a new windex.) Boat is in the water.

As ever, thank you for your help.
Edited by - mrapkins on 08/18/2008 06:51:37

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4316 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  08:30:28  Show Profile
I don't know about going up the mast but if it were me I'd just drop the mast. I did it for the first time a couple of months ago and it was not a big deal using an A-Frame. For what you're wanting to do it would also be the easiest way to accomplish the various tasks.
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  10:13:39  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
Dropping the mast is easy, installing an FF4 with the mast up is also easy. The mast is plenty strong enough to hold you if you want to go up, your local people have demonstrated ignorance and skulduggery, avoid them at all costs.
Why are you concerned about adjustment on the forestay?
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mrapkins
Navigator

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USA
124 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  10:38:30  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Frank Hopper</i>
<br />Dropping the mast is easy, installing an FF4 with the mast up is also easy. The mast is plenty strong enough to hold you if you want to go up, your local people have demonstrated ignorance and skulduggery, avoid them at all costs.
Why are you concerned about adjustment on the forestay?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I read your treatise on FF4 installs yesterday. Most informative - thank you. My Marina also tried to scare me about the furler being too low and fowling the anchor locker. They mentioned something about tang extensions being necessary. So, with that in mind, and knowing that the turnbuckle body is as low as it will go, I started to get concerned. I have a habit of over thinking things. But I also like to be prepared. My Marina made the FF4 install sound very difficult: the mast needs to be tuned 1st else the foil will be the wrong length, the forestay must be in pristine condition, you can't install an FF4 with going up the mast, etc. etc.

I believe my forestay is original from 1985 - looks fine to me.
Edited by - mrapkins on 08/18/2008 10:38:52
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ed_spengeman
1st Mate

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USA
98 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  11:53:42  Show Profile
If you had ordered the furler from Catalina Direct it would have included a new forestay.
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  12:53:28  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
Extensions are called toggles, I used one because my new forestay from Catalina Direct was too short and rather than hassle with it I just used a nice cast toggle. Some are cast, some are stamped, all are fine. I like being prepared too, as a result I am a source for parts for all of my friends because I have always been way too prepared most of the time. The biggy is to not cut the extrusion too short so be prepared to makes some adjustments. Installing the furler is no big deal but being prepared and willing to do some of the steps several times to get it right is the best attitude to start with. Have fun, you too are about to become an expert!
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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  18:53:28  Show Profile
A 1985 forestay is due for replacement. When stays degrade it is inside the swage and in the inner core of the wire. You can't see it. 23 years old is way past replacement time for standing rigging. IMHO.
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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2008 :  19:40:49  Show Profile
Lower your mast. Become your own expert on your boat. Take pictures so you can show the marina guys how it's done. Then take the $750 you would have spent on them, and invest.
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pete454ss
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts
Response Posted - 08/22/2008 :  22:53:00  Show Profile  Visit pete454ss's Homepage
$750 is way to much... I have zero experience rigging and I installed the same furler on my boat last season. It was easy,I installed it in the off season while my mast was down.. Buy a new forestay from CD, it will come with the necessary toggle. I had questions during the install and CDI helped me on the phone .. no problems. You should really learn to rig your own boat it will save you tons of cash.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.