Can anyone give me some advice on what I need to do to add roller furling to my 1982 Catalina 30 (not a tall rig). I have a 150% Genoa and a 100% jib today and I'm considering roller furling instead of going forward to hank on the sails.
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It depends ...
on if you are going to do it yourself or have it done. Most furlers can be owner installed, even the new Harken MkIV's. (The MkIII's required a swage stud or Sta-Lok and modification of the headstay). You will have to make two trips up the mast, one to take the headstay off, and one to reinstall the stay and furler. It's about a days work the first time you do it. If you have a rigger do it ... all it takes is a phone call. The best time to do it is either in the fall (discounts are available) or just after your local boat show (most manufacturers give their dealers boat show discounts). As far as brands go, you will be able to find a furler that fits your budget. Remember that your sail will have to be modified from hanks to luff tape, for a STD C30 the luff is about 40ft @$5.00/ft that's about $200 for the conversion and another $200 or so for a UV cover sewn on the leech. Some of the Internet merchants offer sail and furler package deals that are very attractive. You might even want to look here on this site. If you have a local sailors exchange, you might be able to pick up a Hood 705 for around $500. The old Hoods are a bit sensitive to halyard tension, but there is nothing wrong with the basic design (some parts are no longer available for repairs however). Randy
on if you are going to do it yourself or have it done. Most furlers can be owner installed, even the new Harken MkIV's. (The MkIII's required a swage stud or Sta-Lok and modification of the headstay). You will have to make two trips up the mast, one to take the headstay off, and one to reinstall the stay and furler. It's about a days work the first time you do it. If you have a rigger do it ... all it takes is a phone call. The best time to do it is either in the fall (discounts are available) or just after your local boat show (most manufacturers give their dealers boat show discounts). As far as brands go, you will be able to find a furler that fits your budget. Remember that your sail will have to be modified from hanks to luff tape, for a STD C30 the luff is about 40ft @$5.00/ft that's about $200 for the conversion and another $200 or so for a UV cover sewn on the leech. Some of the Internet merchants offer sail and furler package deals that are very attractive. You might even want to look here on this site. If you have a local sailors exchange, you might be able to pick up a Hood 705 for around $500. The old Hoods are a bit sensitive to halyard tension, but there is nothing wrong with the basic design (some parts are no longer available for repairs however). Randy
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