We have an old CDI 8/9(??) furler on our boat, and at the most inopportune times, the line on the drum overrides, and we have to go up and reef it by hand to get it going again - I have a fairlead coming into the drum - any suggestions how to prevent this? Of course it only happens when the wind is up. I have also been contemplating upgrading to the ballbearing drum, does anyone have any suggestions where to purchase the upgrade at a good price? Replacing the entire furler is not an option at this time. Thanks!
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I would think twice
before replacing your CDI furler, I think it's about the most bullet proof furler on the market. It sounds like the line isn't wrapped around the drum tight enough when you let your sail out. Try keeping some tension on the line as the sail unfurls, see if that helps. Tom s/v GAIA
before replacing your CDI furler, I think it's about the most bullet proof furler on the market. It sounds like the line isn't wrapped around the drum tight enough when you let your sail out. Try keeping some tension on the line as the sail unfurls, see if that helps. Tom s/v GAIA
Thanks Tom
I don't plan to replace the entire furler, just upgrade to the CDI ballbearing drum, which I have heard from those who have done it makes a night and day difference. I am sure our furler is original to the boat in 1983, and does not have the flexible extrusion, but aluminum sections. I have talked to the owner of the company, and he says their is a kit that will replace the drum I have with the plastic bearing with the ballbearing drum. He can only sell them at full retail, but told me there are several places that discount them. I am looking to find one of those places! I will try keeping a little more tension on the sheet when we furl.
I don't plan to replace the entire furler, just upgrade to the CDI ballbearing drum, which I have heard from those who have done it makes a night and day difference. I am sure our furler is original to the boat in 1983, and does not have the flexible extrusion, but aluminum sections. I have talked to the owner of the company, and he says their is a kit that will replace the drum I have with the plastic bearing with the ballbearing drum. He can only sell them at full retail, but told me there are several places that discount them. I am looking to find one of those places! I will try keeping a little more tension on the sheet when we furl.
Scott,
Sounds like you need to adjust and play around with your fairlead angle setting. This angle was critical for mine to function properly. Regarding the ballbearings, call CDI at 888/424-7328. I found them to very helpfull with all furler questions and the upgrade kits are not expensive. If you are not sure of your model number, measure the diameter of your drum and they can help you figure it from there.
Sounds like you need to adjust and play around with your fairlead angle setting. This angle was critical for mine to function properly. Regarding the ballbearings, call CDI at 888/424-7328. I found them to very helpfull with all furler questions and the upgrade kits are not expensive. If you are not sure of your model number, measure the diameter of your drum and they can help you figure it from there.
It is a good product
Hi Scott, That 90o angle that they talk about is very important. And the ball bearing kit is a big improvement. And Tom is right about keeping some tension on the line. But in big winds you also need to get used to falling off early and putting the jib behind the main. It will be a snap to bring it in.
Hi Scott, That 90o angle that they talk about is very important. And the ball bearing kit is a big improvement. And Tom is right about keeping some tension on the line. But in big winds you also need to get used to falling off early and putting the jib behind the main. It will be a snap to bring it in.
Unfortunately
The day we had our misadventure, we were out under genoa alone, and it was the original 150. The wind was 15-18 when we went out, but while we were out there were some pretty strong gusts. We were actually in the process of reefing the genoa when the furler jammed, and all I could do was head up and let it flog while someone went up and unjammed it. The sail did not escape unscathed - ending up with a big tear in the leech, right about spreader height :-(
The day we had our misadventure, we were out under genoa alone, and it was the original 150. The wind was 15-18 when we went out, but while we were out there were some pretty strong gusts. We were actually in the process of reefing the genoa when the furler jammed, and all I could do was head up and let it flog while someone went up and unjammed it. The sail did not escape unscathed - ending up with a big tear in the leech, right about spreader height :-(
When the wind is over 15
I always start the engine, throttle up, then go down wind to furl the jib, the boat is moving fast, and the wind pressure on the sail is lessened, the jib rolls in easier without flogging on the mast and rigging. If you try this once, you will always furl this way! (not my idea, I learned it here from a smart sailor)
I always start the engine, throttle up, then go down wind to furl the jib, the boat is moving fast, and the wind pressure on the sail is lessened, the jib rolls in easier without flogging on the mast and rigging. If you try this once, you will always furl this way! (not my idea, I learned it here from a smart sailor)
Interesting -
the same day we had our problem, we saw a boat furling downwind, but the sail had run out well ahead of the forestay and it looked like they had a real problem rolling it up.
the same day we had our problem, we saw a boat furling downwind, but the sail had run out well ahead of the forestay and it looked like they had a real problem rolling it up.
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