CDI Flexible Furler vs. Schaefer SnapFurl

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Jason Howard

I've read a lot of favorable reviews for the CDI furler on this forum, but I haven't read anything regarding the SnapFurl system from Schaefer. I think that this is in part because the SnapFurl is fairly new. Also, I guess Hunter puts the CDI on your boat when you request roller furling so a lot of people had it handed to them. I was talking to my (Doyle) sailmaker about the necessary headsail modifications. When I mentioned that I was going with a CDI furler, he said he didn't like the fact that it used its own internal halyard, i.e. the process you half to go through to tension the luff. The Schaefer system does use your existing halyard, and it is the same price as the CDI. I think it just snaps around your headstay so it doesn't even have to be removed! Has anyone heard anything bad or good about the SnapFurl system? Speaking of headsail mods. . . it is going to cost me $600 for luff tape, foam, and sun shield to modify my 150, maybe more if the luff needs to be shortened. A new one is $800. My 150 is 18 years old, but it's in fair condition. I'm thinking about using it with only the (bare min.) luff tape added ($150) until it wears out at which point I would get a new one. What do you guys think? Sorry this is so long. Jason
 
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Dave Condon

Furling systems

There are alot of good furling systems out there. For the most part, CDI filled the need for many years with the fllexible furler as it allows it to bend and/or flex when down for traveling and raising. Since then, other companies have started offering their versions. There are several items to consider when purchasing a system. Cost of course is on the minds of many. The first factor for me is flexibility. Aluminum extrusions can break and scratch the boat while the CDI is the opposite. However, when detaching the forestay, the only thing I want to do is take the clevis pin out. CDI again/. Some versions may require taking parts off the bottom furling unit and accidently, the extrusion may come off the forestay which I feel is unsafe. The CDI system has it's own internal halyard versus using the jib halyard. If you are a cruiser/trailerable only, CDI is fine. If racing, some say it is CDI, Harken or others which is a matter of preference. I have raced using CDI in the past and have done quite well with it. Boat is only one factor when speed is involvved. Knowledge of the boat and sailing area, condition of the boat and of course experience are other factors. Often a friend of mine wins without handicap sailing what PHRF considers a slug. He has all factors going for him. All systems are good and I have my preference like others have theirs. That is what this forum is about exchanging ideas. Crazy Dave
 
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Old Sail

I'll give you a few $ for your old 150...mine has been taped so much it's not useable anymore...
 
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Jason Howard

Interesting

Send me an e-mail to discuss. jason.p.howard@bankofamerica.com
 
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Anders Leffler

Free halyard for spinnaker

I just mounted a CDI and it works fine. I found it an advantage to get a free halyard, that I intend to use for a spinnaker. Another advantage is that you can use the free halyard to raise the protection cover (hose). Happy sailing Anders / Whale Hung
 
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