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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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roller furler for Cat 25

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2003 : 00:31:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by fhopper@mac.com
 Soap box:
This is a piece of equipment that is so important and will be used so much, that buying anything less than exactly what you want is a mistake. The most expensive item you can buy is the one that does not do the job that you need it to do, you have spent the money and are still not happy. Find the money to get what you think you need to meet your sailing expectations.
Honestly, look at all of the things people spend money on for their boat, BBQs, instruments, radios, biminis, auto-pilots, weather instruments... none of that stuff is used to the degree your furler will be used, get what you want or keep on hank'n. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I agree. I have a Harken unit(came with my boat) and it appears to be bullet proof, but if I were shopping for one I would definately have to ask myself why some furlers are so much more expensive than others, because I'm a firm believer in, "You get what you pay for!"

Edited by - on

skipn809
Navigator

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111 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2003 : 12:48:38

I had a Snapfurler 500 on my 24 dt. boat, which I got new from Sailnet. I liked it. It seemed simpler than the CDI which has an internal halyard. Also, I liked the idea of being able to use the 500's halyard as an extra safty line for going up the mast. I'll admit I was the only one to use it at our small marina. Most everybody else has the CDI, or much larger boats that can't use the 500.

Now I have a C-25 TR that came with and old contiuous line FF4/6, which you can not get new parts for, and needs a new halyard, or at least that little"tail" piece to attach a halyard to. It seems a sail change will be more trouble than it is worth with this rig.

I considered going back to a 500, but the CDI luff tapes are the next size bigger than the 500, so I would have to re-do the luff or go to the next larger Snapfurler which I believe is about $400 more than the 500, (and probably a better fit for a tall rig anyway.)

I will probably get another CDI FF4 if for no other reason than my sails are made for it, and the cost. Something to think about if you already have sails with luff tapes for a CDI.

Edited by - on

Mel Parsons
Deckhand

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14 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2003 : 21:21:56

Frank/Don

My boat is what you might call a project boat. I got a "good deal" on it - $3300 for boat, motor and trailer. The problem is that everything is original, i.e. needed replacement! I've already bought, and am in the process of installing all new standing and running rigging, keel cable and keel casting assembly, SS spreader socket brackets, bow roller w/long chainplate, new wiring throughout, new nav, steaming/deck and anchor lights, new head, bilge pumps, all lines led aft, new VHF - the list goes on and on (This forum has been invaluable - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you). So anyway, I'm REALLY into getting the most bang for my buck. As far as I can determine, the CDI and Schaefer both have a good reputation for reliability and dependability. CDI even warranties against missuse. If the furlers are dependable, reliable and allow me to furl and reef, even in a hard blow and they are $400 cheaper than a Harken, then it's a no brainer for me. Also, I'll be trailering to the Carolina, Georgia and Florida coasts, so my mast will be raised and lowered regularly. Right now I'm really leaning towards the CDI based primarily on Catalina Direct's contention that the CDI is better in strong winds - unless there is some really negative feedback about these two furlers from members of this forum.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/21/2003 : 21:50:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Mel Parsons
 ...So anyway, I'm REALLY into getting the most bang for my buck. As far as I can determine, the CDI and Schaefer both have a good reputation for reliability and dependability. CDI even warranties against missuse. If the furlers are dependable, reliable and allow me to furl and reef, even in a hard blow and they are $400 cheaper than a Harken, then it's a no brainer for me. Also, I'll be trailering to the Carolina, Georgia and Florida coasts, so my mast will be raised and lowered regularly.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Mel,

I'm, also, into getting the most bang for the buck and do so every chance I get.

As far as the furlers go, my Harken furler, with it's metal luff extrusion, would probably not be the choice for those that trailer because I have heard it is less forgiving than the PVC luff extrusions of the other furlers.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2003 : 00:04:04

As I said, it is a mistake if you spend the money and it doesn't meet your sailing expectations. CDI is very popular and the people who love them do so because they meet their sailing expectations. Schaefer makes great products. I reiterate though, go to the slips and look at them up close if you can.

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song6652
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2004 : 00:25:12

I had a CDI FF4...absolutely HATED the thing. I trailer a lot...it was heavy, unwieldy, and real pain in the nether regions to rig and unrig!!! Finally all but gave it away.

Loved having a roller furler when it was rigged but the convenience was not worth the hassel.

Stephen Dillard
Risk Factor

Edited by - on

captck
1st Mate

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USA
34 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2004 : 06:11:47

Standard/Wing
On inland lake in Ohio.
The winds here change as the season progresses. I have had furlers on other boats and wish I had one now every time I hoist a sail and something gets hung up.
I do like my ability to easily select from a 110 today and a light 170 drifter tomorrow.
I really do like how the boat sails with a 135 up!
My 1988 has tracks that do not go aft. Not a good design change for use of crusing chute.
We charter on Chesapeke Bay each summer and I would not sail there w/o furler.

Edited by - on

Randolph G. Wilson
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2004 : 17:01:19

My wife (crew) bought me a Harken roller/furler for Christmas a year ago, and I love it. One advantage of the Harken is that it is a furler, that is, that the boat can be sailed with the the jib partially furled, as opposed to one that is just a roller. For this reason I highly recommend the Harken. The installation is difficult, and I had mine installed by a pro.

By the way, the "pin-to-pin" distance on my standard rig is 28'7".

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