CDI Reefer 7 Roller Furling Retro Kit

[Mark Hudson]

I have an old CDI "Reefer 7" roller furling on my C-30 Tall Rig. I have heard there is an upgrade kit to replace just the drum, that is more substantial than the original install. With the Reefer 7, the rope only makes one wrap around the drum (the drum looks more like a pulley wheel with teeth on the inside to grip the rope)and looks like it could be trouble in strong winds while trying to reef. Has anyone had trouble with this design or am I being overly cautious about the whole deal?

 

[Allen]

I've got the same design

My roller furler is by Hood, but it's of the same "spindle" design. I was apprehensive about using it at first, but it's adequate. It requires a lot more effort just to bring the sail in or out...it won't unfurl effortlessly like modern furlers do, and it's almost impossible to furl the sail while under load, however, for tyhe kind of sailing I do, it does a good job.I've decided that for $1300 a new furler isn't worth the cost. I'd rather get a new headsail for that price. Maybe someday I'll get to it.Allens/v Drambuie, Hull #632