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blahman · 08-11-2009, 13:51

Hello all,

We are considering adding a roller furling gear to the jibstay of our W32 (luff of 43'). I have used many models of furlers, but have never installed nor owned one, so I would like comments of the different units available. The primary sail will be a yankee-cut jib that I will, generally, strike when the wind comes up, although the option of rolling in for reefing may be nice. Price is not necessarily limiting, but I am not looking to pay way more for something without merit. I will install the gear myself and am handy enough to do so.

Considering Schaeffer, Harken, Profurl, Furlex, Spin-tech, Facnor, Hood, more? I would like a unit that is dependable, accessible, and owner repairable. I spent some time in the archives, but didn't see much discussion and/or comparison.

Thank you for your comments!
Aaron N.

forsailbyowner · 08-11-2009, 14:19

One option to consider is aero luff. Kind of a filler/spacer that makes a better shape out of a partially rolled up or "reefed" jib. My boat had a hood roller furling system that seemed heavily built (few plastic parts). I removed it in favor of hank on sails.

kiapa · 08-11-2009, 15:32

we've had great experience with profurl and harken furling units on bluewater boats over the last couple decades. no problems after 10's of 1000's of sea miles, just making sure they get fresh water baths whenever possible.

the only problem we've had (on both brands) relates to installation. make sure that you install the foil set screws as instructed... keeping all pieces as clean as possible, while applying liberal quantities of loctite. if not secure, these little buggers will eventually work their way out... and will prevent the top roller from sliding down the foil precisely when you most urgently need to get the sail down (i mean down, not furled). good sailing!

DaveOnCudjoe · 08-11-2009, 16:04

A boat I just bought has a Profurl unit. As a furler it works flawlessly. I just had a genoa made with a foam luff to allow roller reefing. I was never a fan of that concept but for the cost of the foam luff thought I'd give it a try. The furler is a good looking unit and was highly praised by a designer/builder whom I respect. Dave

blahman · 09-11-2009, 13:49

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
Aaron

barnakiel · 09-11-2009, 15:34

Facnor - the new, light units not all that good, the older ones better and the racing series just cream.

Profurl - same ol problems with pins coming undone - will they ever fix this??? Otherwise they are very good.

I also have a small Plastimo unit that has been thru 7 yrs of abuse and now has 35000 NM under its belt .... not bad either.

b.

Albro359 · 09-11-2009, 15:56

We have had a Furlex for 10 years and it works great...

BUT even with a North Sails rope luff genoa, winding it in to reef doesn't give a good sail shape on the wind..too baggy...impossible to trim properly...pointing angle is severely decreased.

We have an inner forestay with a hank on jib for when the wind gets up.

Cheers

Alan

jkleins · 09-11-2009, 16:04

I really liked my Harken on my last boat. I just got a new one on my current boat that is the new "cruisers" version. It is a little smaller and has only one slot but is priced better. So far so good.

We did get much better results with a new sail with foam luff last time. Almost the same performance with a smaller sail and much better when reefed. Maybe it was just going from a cheap sail to a nice quality one but it was noticeable.

Jim

Bloodhound · 09-11-2009, 17:46

To: forsalebyowner

I'm curious as to why you traded in a roller furler for hank-ons. I have two new Kern foresails nearing time for delivery and could have gone with a roller furler but opted to stay with hank-ons. My reasoning: I can stike them with certainty - no jams. Interested to hear your thinking.

Ralph

redcobra · 09-11-2009, 18:11

No problems with my Schaeffer so far.

rebel heart · 09-11-2009, 18:44

sea furl 5. works like a champ

FSMike · 10-11-2009, 05:54

14 years on our Profurl. I have no idea if it's owner repairable.
It never breaks.

Vasco · 10-11-2009, 07:58

I've got Harken and Profurl. Prefer the Harken because they do not have sealed bearings and the Profurl sealed bearings have been known to fail now and then. Had Harkens for over twenty years, no problems. Have only had the Profurl for five years, no problems either.