Furler Suggestions

[Kper]

We have decided it's time to purchase our first head sail furler but before we do, we were hoping we could get some advice on what folks here may suggest for the budget minded individual. We have a Catalina 25 and were considering the CDI FF4 with the bearing upgrade. Any thoughts on comparably priced units of good quality? We have done some searches and Hood makes a Seafurl but the ratings list the C25 at the upper end of its recommendation whereas the next model up in the Seafurl is over $1k.

Any thoughts?

 

[jepomer]

The CDI series are cost effective and reliable reefing furlers especially if you rarely change the head sail. I explored all the options and decided that the CDI furler would meet my needs and budget. After 6 years, I am still satisfied.

But if you are a hardcore racer type, the more costlier designs will allow you to change foresails much easier and provide more options to change sail trim.

 

[Kper]

We don't do any racing and would probably use our 150 jib for the roller conversion. I can't imagine I'd be swapping it out since it's the only one I'd have that's not hank-on. I'm leaning towards the CDI at this point but I'm still trying to find the best price. Thanks, John, for the reply.

 

[capta]

I believe our Profurl furlers are original equipment on our 1981 Pearson. They work perfectly. If that doesn't say something about their quality and longevity......

 

[Kper]

Capta, I looked at the profurl. More specifically, the C290 but it is nearly twice the price.

 

[agprice22]

I have purchased, installed, and used the CDI on two of my boats: C22 and Oday 272. They have been reliable and work well. I have had both the bearing and non-bearing models. They both worked well. I would recommend them.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[JohnVTX]

CDI been working for years on my boat.

 

[Kper]

What would be the benefit of the CDI over the Schaefer CF500?

 

[Bad Obsession]

I had a profurl on my last boat. I loved the unit and when I had some issues Profurl actually honored their warranty and sent me the parts for free, which included a new piece of extrusion. They are expensive, but they are very good.

My current boat has a CDI. I am still learning the unit and there are some good parts to it. I take my mast down every year so that is a big benefit to the set-up.

Consider what you are using the furler for. If you get a Harken or Profurl you will be paying for a good unit. Those are the best if you leave the mast up. If you take the mast down look at CDI.

 

[JohnVTX]

What would be the benefit of the CDI over the Schaefer CF500?

Cost, no special tools required, simpler foil.

 

[sesmith]

CDI have been on both our boats without issues. Are you sure you need the FF4 and can't get away with the FF2? I believe the FF2 is what's on our seaward 25, but I'd have to measure the drum to be sure.

 

[Kper]

No, I'm not sure. We've never had a furler and the majority of fellow C25 owners that we know have the FF4.

 

[justsomeguy]

The FF2 is all you really need.
In the four years I've had mine, there's never been a problem with the bearing surface. Just give it a good rinse, and furl on.

 

[Kper]

At a glance... the differences are that the FF2 max stay length is 29' - which is exactly what mine is, the drum is pushing half the size of the FF4 and pin size is 5/16. And unless I'm mistaken I think my pin size is 5/16. Everything seems to be right at the maximum spec for the FF2 - I don't have any warm fuzzies running that way.

Catalina Direct doesn't even offer the FF2 on their site for the C25 which leaves me leaning towards the 4.

 

[justsomeguy]

the drum is pushing half the size of the FF4

That's about the only downside I've ever experienced, the premature filling of the drum.

 

[Kper]

With my lack of experience I'd like err on the side of caution. I don't really need a headache that could have been avoided by picking the best product in my $700 budget. Besides, if the admiral gets her way, I'm sure we'll eventually sell and move into something bigger.

 

[Meriachee]

We had an FF2 on the Mac 26c and jsg is right, the drum will fill if you don't pay attention to the amount of line in play. Otherwise, not a lot of difference between them.

 

[jepomer]

The difference between the CDI FF2 and FF4 is basically size of the foil and of the drum. Also the size of the swage fitting can be larger with the FF4.

For my Capri 22 I have the FF2 and for my Cape Dory 25 I have the FF4. The price difference is minor compared to the extra security that the FF4 will give you with your 150% genoa. You will not need the ball bearing option AND you will have plenty of space to coil the furling line.

The FF2 may work. But at some unplanned time you will be out in a higher wind with the 150% genoa...

 

[justsomeguy]

But at some unplanned time you will be out in a higher wind with the 150% genoa...

Been there. Reef!

 

[Kper]

Can I throw a wrench in here?

A friend of mine suggested I seriously consider the Schaefer 500. His reasonings are, and they are just his opinions; the Schaefer has an upper pivot, doesn't require a new headstay which mine doesn't need, appears to be a stronger unit (debatable) and utilizes heavier furling line (possibly supporting the argument that it's a higher quality unit). The cons of the Schaefer, in his opinion due to possible problems with wrapping the line outside the barrel (I forget what he called it) is the open barrel but he prefers open barrels.

Prices are pretty close in kit form with everything I need for my C25.

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/831/schaefer-cf500-furling-gear-kit-c-25-std-rig.cfm

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/812/cdi-flexible-furler-gear-kit-c-25-std-rig.cfm