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Brewskisteve · 07-05-2018, 08:54

Hey All,

I'm new to this forum, but see there is a wealth of experience I can learn from. I have a 1985 Catalina 30 T/R with a continuous line Genoa roller furling. This is an unusual set up. The top of the sail is connected to a swivel of some sorts which is connected to the top of the mast. It doesn't allow me to raise or lower the sail without sending someone up to disconnect it first and connect to a halyard line for dropping or lifting.

Last week while sailing the Genoa broke free from the mast connection and fell. I can't see anything hanging from the Mast where the sail used to be connected. I found a small portion of the lifting system still connected to the lifting side of the sail. I've don't see any manufacturer stamps on the lower roller furler.

I'm attaching some photos hoping someone has this same system or at least knows the manufacturer so I can attempt to find replacement parts.

**GordMay** · 08-05-2018, 03:22

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Steve.

B-Baysailer · 08-05-2018, 13:45

Looks like a line drive cruising design from the 80s

B-Baysailer · 08-05-2018, 15:16

This might be it https://books.google.com/books?id=oJ...er%202&f=false

Brewskisteve · 09-05-2018, 11:46

B-BAYSAILER thanks for the help. I contacted CDI and they verified it's one of their units from the 80's. Unfortunately discontinued. I'm talking with them now about options.

I really appreciate your help!

Brewskisteve

hugosalt · 09-05-2018, 12:53

That is a Cruising Design Roller Reefer II Made by the predecessor of the
current CDI. I removed mine from service last year and replaced with a new CDI.
Bought new with boat in 1985 as well and was still working well although not as
free and easy as new. Complete unit still in basement waiting for friend to claim.
You do not have to climb mast to raise/lower jib, there is a second channel that you
attach a messenger to.
I 'm pretty sure I have the original instructions/folder, will look, and send if I have.
Over the years I upgraded to Reefer I (minor changes but easier) Will have to refresh
memory. Units come in different sizes based on length and size of head stay wire.

hugosalt · 09-05-2018, 13:09

Baysailor has it right, thats the unit.
Not a high end unit, but never failed me, furling unfurling and held a reef
in winds up to 50 knots. And liked that i always had my jib halyard available
to raise a light air sail.

Brewskisteve · 09-05-2018, 21:08

Hugosalt,

Thanks for replying. I didn't know the second channel was for the lowering and raising the sail. No documentation on the boat for the roller fueling. I agree the system works well. It's the connection up top that failed and nothing left of it, so I have no idea what it looked like to replace. I would appreciate getting a copy of the manual if still available. Thanks again for the assistance and great knowledge. Look forward to hearing from you.

Brewskisteve · 13-05-2018, 15:19

Hugosalt,

I was able to get a original manual for my unit from CDI. I'm convinced it's time to upgrade. Spare parts are few and far between. Thanks for your assistance.

hugosalt · 13-05-2018, 20:28

Thanks for heads up. Good decision especially if going to keep boat for any amount of time. I replaced mine with a CDI unit without ball bearings and all has been good with unit. ...if for any reason you reconsider I found out my buddy is no longer interested
in my old unit so it is available.

Brewskisteve · 15-05-2018, 12:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugosalt

Thanks for heads up. Good decision especially if going to keep boat for any amount of time. I replaced mine with a CDI unit without ball bearings and all has been good with unit. ...if for any reason you reconsider I found out my buddy is no longer interested
in my old unit so it is available.

Hugo, could you send me a few pictures of your old furler, specifically the top of the system where the internal halyard allows you to raise/lower the sail. I'm thinking my unit might have been altered or even upgraded in the past. It looks different from the previously mentioned parts sheet I received from CDI. I'm sending someone up the mast late this week to inspect and take pictures of mine to see if it's still intact and working. I know the steel slider on mine used on the second channel is broken. I might be in the market to buy some pieces of your system if you're willing to part out?

Thanks,

Steve

hugosalt · 15-05-2018, 13:15

Sure, actually have detailed pics of unit. Please send email as I have no luck posting pics here on CF. Thinking your previous owner may have upgraded as I did.
If i remember correctly upgrade included better (longer)connectors between extrusions, and better, easier way to raise/lower sail do not remember if top piece was replaced).
Sure we can work out something if you can use parts....but we have to make sure
size of units are compatible. At least some of my pics have ruler next to part.