Well, I happen to be a satisfied owner of the Schaefer CF700, I have it on my MacGregor 2003 26M. It cost me a bit more than the CDI but it is yet another example of, you get what you pay for. Be aware that it is much more substantial & robust than a CDI, where the CDI is smaller more slimlined and proportional in size to the smaller boats the CF700 is bigger and heavier and looks a bit skookum by comparison. It may look oversize on your bow, it is bigger than most others I see on boats of similar size but then they all mostly have CDI furlers. The CDI has its' own internal halyard whereas the CF700 makes use of your existing headsail halyard. The CF700 also has a round foil as oposed to the flat one of the CDI. The CDI has a closed drum and you can only use up to a certain size line before the line becomes too thick to wrap around an enclosed drum. The CF700 is an open drum and you can use a 5/16" line or even a 3/8" which is more comfortable on the hands. The CF700 requires a 5/32 forestay so be prepared to put out a few extra $$ for one and while you are at it this would be a good time to upgrade to a 5/16 turnbuckle on that new forestay, that is what I did. It would also be prudent to install the supplied halyard restrainer or you will risk halyard wrap. The CF700 operates very smooth and slick, you won't be disappointed and with the external halyard it makes changing from a jib to genoa as easy as hank-ons. If you should decide to purchase it be sure and measure everything 10 times and cut once, there is no room for error. Also when getting a new 5/32 forestay make sure they crimp it close to the loop so that you have a longer working length, the top of the foil with cap will need to butt right up against the top crimp of the forestay.
One more point, Schaefer does make a CF500 that may suffice just as well, if you do a search through Trailor Sailors section of this website you should find some reviews on it. At any rate with a sale price and your coupon you may just match up with the price of the CDI but obtain a superior Shaefer instead.
