Interestingly, the "new" design (which is at least 12 years old at this point) also does away with that convenient cleat for the halyard. I had just installed my new CDI furler (with the closed drum), and I was having trouble belaying the halyard and called the company for help. To my surprise (and delight), the president/owner/product designer answered the phone; he answered my question and told me how it used to be easy to belay the halyard after raising the sail because the product had a convenient cleat right there. But the "marketing people" convinced him it was unnecessary, and so they took it off. He insisted on sending me a cleat (free, of course). I know some sailors look down on the CDI as a cheap unit, but I've never had a problem. Probably the single best, most useful upgrade I've ever made to my boat.