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reader survey/roller fuler

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pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/16/2003 : 10:11:13

I would like to get some feedback on roller furlers, sail size and do it your self installation vs. paying someone.

What roller furler would you recomend/prefer?

What sail size do you recomend for a furling sail 110/135/150?

Would you install yourself/hire someone?

If you installed yourself. How long did it take thanks for participating.

Pierre
Pierre

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 10:30:59

Bon Jour Pierre
This subject has been flushed out thoroughly in several threads over the last month. I think there is an active one in the last two days. I really helps to read the threads before posing a question so the vigor of this group is aroused. If, like this question, it has been hammered recently then you will probably not get great enthusiasm in the replies. I actually read the last years archives over the first couple of weeks I was on this board. It really helped me a lot.
Now my usual response:
Call Catalina Direct, order the Harken with a 135, (larger sails loose too much shape when reefed) It will come with a new forestay as part of the package making it a no brainer to install. I am of the philosophy that it is better to either create out of nothing for a $0 cost or buy the best you can find for maximum value. Everything in between is a compromise. There are few things on a boat that are used as heavily as a furler/reefer, the amortization of that purchase comes out to pennies a use over it’s life. Some people are concerned about trailerability, I never had any issues with my Harken on my last boat while trailering.

Edited by - on

pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 11:31:42

Admiral,
thanks for your response. I searched roller furler prior to the post and got only 3 replies found. Is there a better way of reviewing archives.

thanks

Pierre

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 12:07:52

Try just one word, like "furler", in your search. Also, if you get timed out, try just searching the "Subject Only" instead of the "Entire Text" (from the drop-down list). Also keep in mind likely misspellings, such as "furlor" (although that particular example won't yield anything--I just checked).

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 15:48:41

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Admiral, thanks for your response.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

See Frank, I told you you'd get more respect if you'd be less easy going.....

Pierre, don't forget to look at the CDI. It works with your existing head stay, has almost no moving parts, can be cut to size on the spot to alleviate "wrong size ordered/delivered problems", is not too expensive, works well, and does not use your existing jib halyard, freeing it up for a spinnaker or drifter. (I have one, I like it.)

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake

Edited by - Oscar on 11/16/2003 15:50:58

cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 20:41:32

Pierre,

I vote for the CDI furler. It is probably a bit less expensive and very simple. I put one on my boat 7 years ago and it has worked perfectly every time.

I had mine installed, because 7 years ago I was kind of afraid to work on my boat. I have learned that if I have time it is fun and rewarding to work on my boat. There are still things I won't do on my boat but I am doing more all the time. If I was interested in a furler now, I would install the CDI furler myself.

This afternoon my wife and I put new rigging on the boat (haven't stepped the mast yet) It was very easy to replace the forestay with the CDI furler. It was a great time to inspect the drum etc. and everything was fine even after years in a nearly tropical environment.

Good luck

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 21:42:33

Pierre-

I also have the CDI & have had no problems. I think its a great advantage to be able to keep the jib halyard for other uses (like a drifter - I don't have it yet, but its high on the list). I would recommend getting the better bearings - its a lot cheaper to get the good bearings than decide to upgrade later.

Edited by - on

Earl Landers
Navigator

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USA
157 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2003 : 21:54:13

Pierre,
I had an old '83 version of the CDI that the previous owner purchased without the bearing option. After using this furler for one season, my crew indicated that it needed to be replaced (in no uncertain terms)

Furling required the use of a winch, even with no load on mainsheet and headsail luffing.

I chose to purchase a Snapfurl CF 500 (current price at Sailnet is $400.19). I suppose the reason for the brand change was that I felt that the bearing shouldn't be an option. The difference between the two has been dramatic. Holding the new drum (only) and giving it a spin with your finger, it will spin for 10's of reveolutions, whereas the old CDI will only turn while you input force to it.
I did the installation myself, using the straight forward and simple instructions. Total time was less than 4 hours. Note, you must drop the mast to attach the halyard retainer near the top of the mast.
I use a 150 in mostly light air lake sailing.

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 11/17/2003 : 10:10:42

Pierre - Pete - Peet,

I also vote for cdi ff4. When I got mine I had a 155 recut and have not noticed significant shape problems when I have had to reduce sail. One word of advise, when you cut the luff measure twice, when you get your saw, check 4 times to make sure you are cutting at the right length. I measured twice and then went to cut and wound up with a 25 foot luff instead of one nearer 30 feet. This delayed installation.

cdi instuctions say it can be installed while the mast is up. I tried and couldn't get it to work. But with the mast down it took only minutes.

One other thing, you want to adjust your forestay before raising the mast. Otherwise it is difficult and you are likely to have a sagging luff. I can't remember exact measurements, but if you get one ask and I'll make sure I get mine. They are at our lake house, and I have chosen not to have internet access there.

Peet - Pete - Pierre

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/17/2003 : 21:34:51

Orion came with an FF4 CDI furler. Iupgraded to the bearing option. Works like a charm. I installed furlers on a couple of previous boats, usually its not too hard of a job for anyone thast is accustomed to using simple hand tools. Try it, youll like it, ron srsk SW FL

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pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2003 : 12:00:30

thanks to all...I am leaning toward the cdi with 150. Probably a new main since they are all original sails (1984) and I bought the boat right late fall.

Pierre

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