Age Old Topic - Specific Question - ROLLER FURLING

[Rob Rich]

Hi Guys - Yes, I have checked the Archives!Here is the deal - after having man-handled my 150 for (hopefully) the last time in 95 degree heat, I decided that I am going to have to get rid of the hanks and get on the furling wagon. I am aware of the disadvantages, but I am a cruiser by nature. I still have my Prindle Cat to daysail when I want to go fast.SO - I am looking for advice from people who have had a furling system installed on their boat, or who did it themselves. I plan to use my 150 due to predominantly light winds down here (10-15kts) out of the southwest.Which furler did you settle on? I know the sail is going to run 500 bucks for a sacrifical cover and foam luff, but how much was the installation of the furling system itself?I was quoted 2200 bucks for a Harken - thought it sounded a bit pricey, but I am still looking into it.My sailing habits are inland lake recreational, generally one two two days per week, overnights about 6 to 8 times a year (at anchor). My crew is my wife and generally three other people, at least one of which is slightly-to-well experienced.The boat is a 1979 Catlinal 27 Tall Rig hull number 4221 with lines not led aft. Crew is confortable with foredeck work. I do not plan to race her due to poor PHRF in combination with an inboard engine (lovely A-4).Any and all help is -AS ALWAYS- greatly appreciated! I look forward to some interesting replies from our old and new denizens.Best Regards, Rob

 

[Steve Dion]

Check out Spin-tec.

Rob:Check out Spin-tec. If you decide on their unit tell them you found it here on HOW! This is probably the most bullet proof unit on the market.

 

[mark v.]

furlex!!

check out furlex furlers. real easy to install,a new forestay comes in the kit and a norseman style fitting for the bottom with a halyard fairlead if needed.easy to switch over for racing.no major tools required and a great warranty to boot!

 

[Steve O.]

Furlers

$2200 for the Harken system installed is not too bad considering that the parts would probably run $1800. The Hood system is probabbly the cheapest and easiest to install yourself, but I wouldn't say it was the best, but it may be adequate for what you need.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Whatever you do...

...make sure you get a furler that is completely cylindrical so that it rolls easily. Why on earth they made some of them eliptical is beyond me.

 

[Peter Brennan]

Try Hood single line

For a 28-footer, I suggest you check out the Hood single line furler. Had one on a 26 footer. Easy to install by yourself. No need to cut the forestay. Reasonably priced, as I recall. No worries about overrides on the drum. But practice your end-to-end braided rope splicing technique. The foils are round, not oblate, and so is the drum.