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Help with Identifying Roller Furler

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cdavido
Deckhand

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9 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/27/2013 : 20:29:03

Members,

I'm getting ready to replace my 150% genoa and need to ID the roller furler on my 1988 wing keel. Attached is a photo. Only word I can make out is "flexible" Looks like it could be from CDI but would like some input.

Thanks!

cdavido
Eugene, OR

Edited by - cdavido on 01/27/2013 20:34:46

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2013 : 20:52:08

Looks like an early model of a CDI, later models had a much wider opening for the furling line.

At least, that is my opinion

Paul

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2013 : 22:36:52

I'm in the camp of replace the whole freaking thing. If that thing gets jammed up, good luck with that. You'll cut the line and pull it down before you get it unjammed.

That is if it will unfurl all of the way.

Sten

Edited by - redviking on 01/27/2013 22:38:50

iwillnotsubmit
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2013 : 06:54:18

It looks just like my CDI FF4. I have a tall rig, but I think the standard rig uses the FF3. Check out CDI's website, they have installation instructions and parts lists. sailcdi.com

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2013 : 12:29:57

It does look like an earlier model CDI unit. If it is the one that has the furling sleeves as a 3 piece versus 1 piece going up the shroud, it is prone to snapping/uncoupling at the joints when the rig is lowered and raised. The CDI website indicates they provide some support for these CDI units but not for the coulpings/joints and would recommend modifying with replacemnt parts or replacing the whole unit if the joints do become damged. But if it is working fine...well then keep as is and then just consider what you want to do possibly in the future regarding it.

Edited by - on

Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
468 Posts

Response Posted - 01/28/2013 : 21:18:38

If it's possible to re-position the lower shell (the silver portion) so the furling line comes off the spool and through the exit eye without being forced to bend against the side of the eye, it might significantly reduce the friction when you need to furl the sail with a lot of wind in it. This unit may not be designed to allow that (it looks as though the eye is aligned straight back from the axis, which would allow the user to lead the furling line back on either side of the boat (or wind it either direction around the spool), but it would be a compromise in any of those options. The most resistance would be when the line is wound several layers deep on the spool, with the sail all the way deployed, and that would also coincide with the greatest load on the sail if you're trying to furl without putting the boat "in irons" or letting the sail flog out unsheeted. With an increasing wind, by the time you decide you NEED to furl you could be fighting to get it in, and that added friction could make a big difference. I have one of the earliest models made by Harken, but it allows for re-positioning the outer shell by backing-off a nut around the shaft beneath the shell.

I'm a strong believer in making the most of what I've got, at least until it becomes clearly prudent to discard it in favor of something better. But your jib furler is a critically important component of sail control, and failure at the wrong time could have serious consequences. So pay attention to how it's working, and if it's showing any signs of failure you would be well-advised to plan for replacing it.

Edited by - on

cdavido
Deckhand

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9 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2013 : 18:16:09

Thanks for the input. After a good cleaning and new line it has worked well. If I'm going to the expense to enjoy a new sail I may just go for it and replace the furling.

Edited by - on

keeldad
1st Mate

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84 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2013 : 18:47:11

Craig, It it's the CDI FF4 it should have three or four sections held together by what CDi refers to as "torque links". These are pieces of metal about 4" long that fit inside the luff sleeve and hold them together. If you are planning on upgrading your furler, I'd be interested in buying your links. I broke one this year when I lowered the mast and replacements are no longer available. I've been considering getting a new furler but I've never been one to make my life easier by not being cheap.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2013 : 12:48:53

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Lee Panza
 If it's possible to re-position the lower shell (the silver portion) so the furling line comes off the spool and through the exit eye without being forced to bend against the side of the eye, it might significantly reduce the friction when you need to furl the sail with a lot of wind in it. This unit may not be designed to allow that (it looks as though the eye is aligned straight back from the axis, which would allow the user to lead the furling line back on either side of the boat (or wind it either direction around the spool), but it would be a compromise in any of those options. The most resistance would be when the line is wound several layers deep on the spool, with the sail all the way deployed, and that would also coincide with the greatest load on the sail if you're trying to furl without putting the boat "in irons" or letting the sail flog out unsheeted. With an increasing wind, by the time you decide you NEED to furl you could be fighting to get it in, and that added friction could make a big difference. I have one of the earliest models made by Harken, but it allows for re-positioning the outer shell by backing-off a nut around the shaft beneath the shell.

I'm a strong believer in making the most of what I've got, at least until it becomes clearly prudent to discard it in favor of something better. But your jib furler is a critically important component of sail control, and failure at the wrong time could have serious consequences. So pay attention to how it's working, and if it's showing any signs of failure you would be well-advised to plan for replacing it.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yeppers, if you have ever had the headsail jam in heavy seas and winds, you will rue the day you ignored that occasional temporary jam.

Sten

Edited by - on

putzmeister
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 01/30/2013 : 18:57:23

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 Yeppers, if you have ever had the headsail jam in heavy seas and winds, you will rue the day you ignored that occasional temporary jam.

Sten
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Very well said!

Edited by - on

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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.