CDI furler with or without ball bearings?

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Paul Wetmore

After input from others on this site I am going with the CDI roller furling for my 25 O'Day fin keel. Discussing this with a rigger a question came up about with or without ball bearings. I have been unable to find a website for CDI to get any additional info so I am planning on going with the recomendation from the rigger. His opinion was the bearing wasn't needed. Any input would be appreciated. He also recomended changing the headstay due to the greater strain. I previously owned a 21' clipper and stepped the mast dozens of times. Is stepping the mast by hand still possible on this boat or is it typically done using the lift.
 
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Peter

website

CDI's website is :http://www.sailcdi.com I've got a c27 with a CDI and NO bearings, and works just fine, but I understand that with the bearings it runs much smoother, but haven't seen it myself.
 
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Rob R.

I opted for the bearings...

I heard that it lasts a bit longer that way. I'll tell you this - that thing is smooth as a baby's bottom going out, and very easy to bring back in. Bearing is about a 60 dollar option - I'd go for it if I were you. You get to keep the neoprene bearing as a replacement part, too. As for the forestay - yeah, I'd replace it if it is old. My rigger had to modify the forestay at the mast. Turns out for 75 dollars more, he could do the entire stay and fit it with a better pin. SOLD! Good Luck. You are going to love the CDI. One tip - it is going to take you a long time to unfold the "foil" when you get it. It will most likely be wound in a coil when you get it, and it is going to take you about 3 days to get it smoothed out. Take it to the dock and tie it to the planks to stretch it out. Let it sit in the sun and warm temps for a few days, and you'll get a good shape. I hurriedly tried to "bend" mine into shape. Wound up with a few kinks, or impresssions on the foil. Not bad, but I wish I had taken my time. Best of Luck - Rob 1979 C-27, CDI FF6
 
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Roger

Jib size

I just got a new CDI for my C-27. In speaking with Joe at CDI (who is most helpful) the converation about bearings was that with the 110 jib thatI have, he felt that it was not necessary to get the roller bearing. A 150 might be a different story. Of course I am sure that the roler bearings are nice, but it does add quite a bit to the price. Joe also said that I could add them later if I wanted to. The furler is not yet installed, as New England water is pretty stiff, so I can't speak to the experience of using the new furler yet. I am replacing an old-style CDI furler which worked fine till I busted it, and the teflon bearing on the new one is A LOT bigger than on the old version.
 
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Bob Todd

Another vote FOR the bearing...

In talking with Chuck Allen from Cruising Direct (and speaking with other CDI owners) the bearing is the way to go. The best price on the CDI that I've seen is from Cruising Direct. Linked below from my website. Cheers, Bob
 
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Tom Ehmke

I vote for the bearing also.

I upgraded a few years to the torlon bushing. Decided to get the metal bearing at season's end. Will install this spring. Tom
 
May 7, 2004
119
Hunter 33.5 Saint Louis
Use The Bearing

CDI told us the bearing wasn't necessary if you installed the furler properly. Wrong! It made a night and day difference on our old 1996 H26. Take your time routing the furling line. This is a very important step. If your off much the line won't spool evenly in the drum. Pain in the ass when the line over rides itself when it's blowning like crazy and you've gotta go on deck to clear it. Jeff S/V Gail Force 33.5 1993
 
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Don K.

Rigging Only

I found this site with very good prices for CDI and other furlers and gear.
 
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Tom

Bearings all the way

I put a set of bearings on my 97 Hunter 26 CDI furler last season. Big difference!! Unless money is a big problem for you, I'd advise the bearings.
 
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Sailormannj

No bearing

I did not get the roller bearing, sailloft said did not need it, and they are right. Had it for 5 years now, I wonder why I did not do it 20 years ago (cost back then) Great system. Get the heavier forestay, that is what I did, and have the sailmaker roll out and get the long plastic part flat for you. Bought new 150 jenny also. It is on a 1972 Oday 23.
 
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Mike

No bearings either

I put a CDI on my Oday 23 last year. My sailmaker's opinion was that I didn't need the bearings given my boat, my furling sail (a 100% jib) and sailing plans (day sailing with some overnights in protected waters). My sailmaker put the unit together and attached it to my forestay, I put it back on the mast, and the yard attached it to the headstay when they launched the boat. The unit worked like a charm; no problems.
 
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EJ Tews

No Bearing

I have an O'day 25 with the CDI FF4 and do not have a Bearing. I also did the job with a friend and was simple enought, just plan on a few hours. EJ Tews
 
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