I'm looking at Superfurl and Flexfurl, both very good prices. Is the quality OK or do you get what you pay for?? The big names have big prices, are they worht the extra?? *pop
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Cheap furlers
I've known people who installed CDI on smaller boats and were very satisfied with the system and recommended them. We compared Furlex, Harken, Schaefer, and Profurl and they were all well built. Furlex was metric and my clevis pin (1/2") did not convert to metric so I would have been forced to either downsize the forestay diameter or drill out the tack to accommodate the 5/8" metric equivalent clevis pin. We installed a Harken and have been very satisfied with our decision. The Harken of Pewaukee, WI is made in the USA.
I've known people who installed CDI on smaller boats and were very satisfied with the system and recommended them. We compared Furlex, Harken, Schaefer, and Profurl and they were all well built. Furlex was metric and my clevis pin (1/2") did not convert to metric so I would have been forced to either downsize the forestay diameter or drill out the tack to accommodate the 5/8" metric equivalent clevis pin. We installed a Harken and have been very satisfied with our decision. The Harken of Pewaukee, WI is made in the USA.
Facing the same question
Chris: I am going through the same exercise. The original Furler on my 1982 Hunter 36 was a CDI furler, and is now showing sings for a need to replace. I am looking serioulsy at the CDI Flexible furler, F9 for the H-36. I have no complaints with the orginal one. It would have been better if it had been installed correctly, but it wasn't. I like the idea of a continous foil. All the other designs I have looked at come in sections of aluminum foil which need to be put together. The original furler came with aluminum fol sections which can will tend to bend at the joints anytime the headstay is relaxed, such as when taking the headstay off. The installation of the Flexible Furler is fairly easy. However, if you are not planning on doing it yourself, then it may not be important. I am not familiar with the Superfurl, but now that you mention it, I will take a look at it. Profurl is a popular one that has been used extensively by the racing crowd, and is not overly priced as the others tend to be. Good luck with your choice. Ernie
Chris: I am going through the same exercise. The original Furler on my 1982 Hunter 36 was a CDI furler, and is now showing sings for a need to replace. I am looking serioulsy at the CDI Flexible furler, F9 for the H-36. I have no complaints with the orginal one. It would have been better if it had been installed correctly, but it wasn't. I like the idea of a continous foil. All the other designs I have looked at come in sections of aluminum foil which need to be put together. The original furler came with aluminum fol sections which can will tend to bend at the joints anytime the headstay is relaxed, such as when taking the headstay off. The installation of the Flexible Furler is fairly easy. However, if you are not planning on doing it yourself, then it may not be important. I am not familiar with the Superfurl, but now that you mention it, I will take a look at it. Profurl is a popular one that has been used extensively by the racing crowd, and is not overly priced as the others tend to be. Good luck with your choice. Ernie
I love the CDI flexible furler.
I have to say that it is simple. The halyard is in the foil. The only thing that moves is the drum and the foil. There is no upper bearing and external halyard to tangle up. I chased a Beneteau down the lake this fall. His halyard had fouled in his upper bearing. He tried to lower his sail and made things that much worse. He was single handed and in trouble. Fortunately the lake I sail on has many fingers to block the wind. I had him follow me into a cove where we rafted while moving and secured his genny by wrapping as tight as possible with a secondary line. We secured it enough for him to make it back to his dock under power. Again, the CDI has little that can go wrong. r.w.landau
I have to say that it is simple. The halyard is in the foil. The only thing that moves is the drum and the foil. There is no upper bearing and external halyard to tangle up. I chased a Beneteau down the lake this fall. His halyard had fouled in his upper bearing. He tried to lower his sail and made things that much worse. He was single handed and in trouble. Fortunately the lake I sail on has many fingers to block the wind. I had him follow me into a cove where we rafted while moving and secured his genny by wrapping as tight as possible with a secondary line. We secured it enough for him to make it back to his dock under power. Again, the CDI has little that can go wrong. r.w.landau
CDI
I installed a CDI furler on my C-30TR last spring. I was replacing an original (1984) CDI single line furler. I installed the new unit alone and found that the uncoiling of the luff extrusion to be a MUCH bigger job than explained in the pre-sale information. Find out all of the deatils about this piece before ordering. Be sure you know that the rolled up extrusion has to be straightened within a certain number of days after you receive it. I have been happy with the furler - it has worked well in a wide range of conditions on the Chesapeake Bay. The price and installation ease were what sold me - I have been happy so far.
I installed a CDI furler on my C-30TR last spring. I was replacing an original (1984) CDI single line furler. I installed the new unit alone and found that the uncoiling of the luff extrusion to be a MUCH bigger job than explained in the pre-sale information. Find out all of the deatils about this piece before ordering. Be sure you know that the rolled up extrusion has to be straightened within a certain number of days after you receive it. I have been happy with the furler - it has worked well in a wide range of conditions on the Chesapeake Bay. The price and installation ease were what sold me - I have been happy so far.
Thanks for the input, guys, much appreciated
more grist to the mill. CDI seems to the popular one. Anyone have experience with the Superfurl?
more grist to the mill. CDI seems to the popular one. Anyone have experience with the Superfurl?
WHAT ABOUT HAYLARD TENSION
The CDI and other makes of low cost furlers have no means of medeum to high haylard tension. This is of no no problem for most day sailors and I know of a lot of satisfied owners.They are more of a furling device than a reefing one. The more expensive furlers allow you to use a winch to control haylard tension. This is a key tool to flatten the jib as the wind picks up. This is the only type of rig to have if you wish to sail in challanging conditions.They are much better at reefing. Like all devies on a sail boat if not installed correctly they all let you down at the wrong time. Both typs are good but there is a real differance.
The CDI and other makes of low cost furlers have no means of medeum to high haylard tension. This is of no no problem for most day sailors and I know of a lot of satisfied owners.They are more of a furling device than a reefing one. The more expensive furlers allow you to use a winch to control haylard tension. This is a key tool to flatten the jib as the wind picks up. This is the only type of rig to have if you wish to sail in challanging conditions.They are much better at reefing. Like all devies on a sail boat if not installed correctly they all let you down at the wrong time. Both typs are good but there is a real differance.
Schaefer input
Three years ago I installed a Schaefer Snapfurl unit and have been very satisfied with its operation. At the time, I was buying new sails and the sailmaker priced it very competitively as a package deal. I push the boat pretty hard, club race it about 20 times a year, and do lots of singlehanding. Other than a minor glitch or two, the unit has performed beautifully. Because this was their bottom of the line furler, and my boat is at the upper end of the recommended range, there was some concern at first as to whether it was robust enough. However, I would recommend it now as a great value for the bucks, compared to the others. The only drawback I can see so far is that it requires #5 luff tape, so you can't mount a sail made for most other furlers (#6) unless you modify it.
Three years ago I installed a Schaefer Snapfurl unit and have been very satisfied with its operation. At the time, I was buying new sails and the sailmaker priced it very competitively as a package deal. I push the boat pretty hard, club race it about 20 times a year, and do lots of singlehanding. Other than a minor glitch or two, the unit has performed beautifully. Because this was their bottom of the line furler, and my boat is at the upper end of the recommended range, there was some concern at first as to whether it was robust enough. However, I would recommend it now as a great value for the bucks, compared to the others. The only drawback I can see so far is that it requires #5 luff tape, so you can't mount a sail made for most other furlers (#6) unless you modify it.
Look at Harken
The Harken furling systems are very durable and easy to operate. The units has adouble track head foil in the event you want to change sails. The drum is easy to remove if you don't want to use the furler. I cannot say enough about Harken and their quality. Look around your marina and you will see more Harken furlers for a reason.
The Harken furling systems are very durable and easy to operate. The units has adouble track head foil in the event you want to change sails. The drum is easy to remove if you don't want to use the furler. I cannot say enough about Harken and their quality. Look around your marina and you will see more Harken furlers for a reason.
furler
I installed a Snapfurl 500 (the small one) on my Ericson 23 and have been very pleased with it. Doug mentioned that some units lack the ability to change halyard tension, the Snapfurl is not one of them and allows you to change the halyard tension. I installed the furler kit myself but it would have been nice to have an extra pair of hands at times. One of the reasons I got the Snapfurl was that it had a plastic foil. My boat has a tabernacled mast step (I have to get under a bridge) and a metal foil can get bent lowering the mast. Like Bob said, the Snapfurl 500 takes a #5 luff tape and if you are looking at used sails a sail with a #5 luff tape is pretty hard to find, no biggy if you’re getting a new sail.
I installed a Snapfurl 500 (the small one) on my Ericson 23 and have been very pleased with it. Doug mentioned that some units lack the ability to change halyard tension, the Snapfurl is not one of them and allows you to change the halyard tension. I installed the furler kit myself but it would have been nice to have an extra pair of hands at times. One of the reasons I got the Snapfurl was that it had a plastic foil. My boat has a tabernacled mast step (I have to get under a bridge) and a metal foil can get bent lowering the mast. Like Bob said, the Snapfurl 500 takes a #5 luff tape and if you are looking at used sails a sail with a #5 luff tape is pretty hard to find, no biggy if you’re getting a new sail.
Furlers
I am going on my third season with my 1988 O'day 240. She came with a CDI furler. I have never had a furler on my previous boats, so all this was new to me. My mistake was not listening to the previous owner when he explained that the CDI requires a certain amount of backstay tension. My first season, furling was very difficult because I did not have the backstay tensioned enough. I even had a rigger come to the boat (charged $250) for basically doing nothing to solve my problem. Last Spring, after commisioning, the furler wass in-operable. A call to CDI, and a different rigger, and I had some solid information. I increased backstay tension and the halyard tension to the optimum amount, and bang! She furls just as easy as pie. The CDI furler is a simple and effective furler for anyone except a hard racer. If this one ever fails (and I do not expect it too) I would replace it with another CDI furler in a New York minute. Good winds, Eric
I am going on my third season with my 1988 O'day 240. She came with a CDI furler. I have never had a furler on my previous boats, so all this was new to me. My mistake was not listening to the previous owner when he explained that the CDI requires a certain amount of backstay tension. My first season, furling was very difficult because I did not have the backstay tensioned enough. I even had a rigger come to the boat (charged $250) for basically doing nothing to solve my problem. Last Spring, after commisioning, the furler wass in-operable. A call to CDI, and a different rigger, and I had some solid information. I increased backstay tension and the halyard tension to the optimum amount, and bang! She furls just as easy as pie. The CDI furler is a simple and effective furler for anyone except a hard racer. If this one ever fails (and I do not expect it too) I would replace it with another CDI furler in a New York minute. Good winds, Eric
Ask Professional Riggers
When I was going to replace the furler on my boat a few years ago, I asked a number of professional riggers in this area about various brands of furlers, including the CDI. They all said about the same thing: how long are you keeping your boat? They all indicated that they thought the low cost CDI just didn't compare in ruggedness or long term performance to the more expensive "name" brands. In the end, I bought a Furlex which I thought was pricey, but of really high quality. In two seasons, I've never regretted the decision.
When I was going to replace the furler on my boat a few years ago, I asked a number of professional riggers in this area about various brands of furlers, including the CDI. They all said about the same thing: how long are you keeping your boat? They all indicated that they thought the low cost CDI just didn't compare in ruggedness or long term performance to the more expensive "name" brands. In the end, I bought a Furlex which I thought was pricey, but of really high quality. In two seasons, I've never regretted the decision.
good furler, good service, good folks
In 1997 I ordered my 1998 M26X with the CDI furler. In seven years of year round use, it has given nary a problem, any time, while sailing. It has required no maintenance, and as of last month shows no sigh of any wear and tear on any of the original parts. I once accidently broke the furler foil while trailering it. I called CDI to order a new one. Although it was six months out of warranty, Paul at CDI explalined I had misunderstood the transport instructions for it, and offered to ship me a new one for only the cost of shipping. He explained CDI likes to have happy customers. I am one very happy customer who thinks the simpler the better when it comes to furlers. And conscientious good service counts a lot with me and my very limited wallet. So I'd buy CDI for any boat, any size they make.
In 1997 I ordered my 1998 M26X with the CDI furler. In seven years of year round use, it has given nary a problem, any time, while sailing. It has required no maintenance, and as of last month shows no sigh of any wear and tear on any of the original parts. I once accidently broke the furler foil while trailering it. I called CDI to order a new one. Although it was six months out of warranty, Paul at CDI explalined I had misunderstood the transport instructions for it, and offered to ship me a new one for only the cost of shipping. He explained CDI likes to have happy customers. I am one very happy customer who thinks the simpler the better when it comes to furlers. And conscientious good service counts a lot with me and my very limited wallet. So I'd buy CDI for any boat, any size they make.
Again, thanks guys
for all the input. I've narrowed the field to CDI or Superfurl. Superfurl is a one man operation in CA, black anodised single track extrusion sections joined by SS inserts and 4 screws each. It is sold as a furler AND reefer for foresails, and he can do it all inclusive for about $950. The kit comes with slides for the track and a needle & thread for DIY sewing. Decisions, decisions *o
for all the input. I've narrowed the field to CDI or Superfurl. Superfurl is a one man operation in CA, black anodised single track extrusion sections joined by SS inserts and 4 screws each. It is sold as a furler AND reefer for foresails, and he can do it all inclusive for about $950. The kit comes with slides for the track and a needle & thread for DIY sewing. Decisions, decisions *o
Chris, if your boat is a trailer sailor,
I have to say, do you really want to deal with a metal foil that cannot be bent? I think this is the second advantage to the CDI. r.w.landau
I have to say, do you really want to deal with a metal foil that cannot be bent? I think this is the second advantage to the CDI. r.w.landau
Furling function ?
A question I understand thr CDI is a very functional furler if its all or nothing , but has anyone any experience partially furling and sailing ? I presently have an old CDI with the integral halyard and its a PITA if not impossible to adjust halyard tension . I previously had a Schaefer 750 on a Catalina 25 and it was impeccable in all respects . Granted its 1K more but in the middle of Lk Erie when I need to adjust or furl I dont care to hear well you saved 1k , what do you expect everything ?
A question I understand thr CDI is a very functional furler if its all or nothing , but has anyone any experience partially furling and sailing ? I presently have an old CDI with the integral halyard and its a PITA if not impossible to adjust halyard tension . I previously had a Schaefer 750 on a Catalina 25 and it was impeccable in all respects . Granted its 1K more but in the middle of Lk Erie when I need to adjust or furl I dont care to hear well you saved 1k , what do you expect everything ?
Tim, I think that the CDI is the most forgiving
Furler available. If that Schaefer furler is not set up correctly with a halyard retainer and operated directly into the wind the chances of it malfunctioning is 10x that of the CDI. With the Schaefer, if you get a halyard wrap, tugging on it can induce unwanted pressure on the forestay. Depending on the direction of lay of yoour forestay cable and the direction the furler furls, a halyard wrap can unwind the forestay and weaken it. A properly cut CDI foil furles on the swag fitting and there is no halyard that can fail. Also, on the Schaefer the pressure from sail slugs are point loads on the foil. The luff tape on the CDI and the continuious track spreads the sail load evenly as possible over the foil. r.w.landau
Furler available. If that Schaefer furler is not set up correctly with a halyard retainer and operated directly into the wind the chances of it malfunctioning is 10x that of the CDI. With the Schaefer, if you get a halyard wrap, tugging on it can induce unwanted pressure on the forestay. Depending on the direction of lay of yoour forestay cable and the direction the furler furls, a halyard wrap can unwind the forestay and weaken it. A properly cut CDI foil furles on the swag fitting and there is no halyard that can fail. Also, on the Schaefer the pressure from sail slugs are point loads on the foil. The luff tape on the CDI and the continuious track spreads the sail load evenly as possible over the foil. r.w.landau
Ross, What fails on a CDI flex furler?
It is a simple question. Just because it is in expensive does not mean it is cheap. This cannot be said about furlers that use the boats halyard. Second question: do your rigging friends sell other products? Third question: do they sail? You may want the expensive stuff, I want what functions well. The more moving parts the more chances of failure. r.w.landau
It is a simple question. Just because it is in expensive does not mean it is cheap. This cannot be said about furlers that use the boats halyard. Second question: do your rigging friends sell other products? Third question: do they sail? You may want the expensive stuff, I want what functions well. The more moving parts the more chances of failure. r.w.landau
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