Considering adding a furler to my 27 ft. Catalina. The "CDI FF4" and "Schaefer SnapFurl-Large" appear to be economical solutions. Drawn to the Schaefer before of metal parts, would appreciate anyones experience with either of these units. Not a racer but do plan on sailing in the Gulf.
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Rob Rich
Hey Neighbor... Same Situation
I just got what appears to be one hell of a deal from national sail supply. They are advertising not only a CDI FF6, but also a brand new 150 genoa with Sunbrella strip for $1501.00. This is for a C-27 Tall Rig. I also opted for the foam luff, which I understand is essential in helping improve sail shape (which will suffer, regardless whether you go with the foam or not). For comparison, a Harken system and modifications to my existing sail would run me about 2700 bucks here on Lake Travis in Austin. I figure I'm saving 1000 bucks, tax, and getting a brand new sail. However, I am paying Visa incase any disputes erupt. Will post results. Have fun on the bay, you lucky bastard! Rob p.s. - I will say that the Spin Tec system (which you can get at the Chandlery on this site) looks like a better system - I just didn't know anyone who had one. I have to talk to owners before I purchase - three guys on my dock said they liked their CDI's. Three guys with Harken's said the same thing.
I just got what appears to be one hell of a deal from national sail supply. They are advertising not only a CDI FF6, but also a brand new 150 genoa with Sunbrella strip for $1501.00. This is for a C-27 Tall Rig. I also opted for the foam luff, which I understand is essential in helping improve sail shape (which will suffer, regardless whether you go with the foam or not). For comparison, a Harken system and modifications to my existing sail would run me about 2700 bucks here on Lake Travis in Austin. I figure I'm saving 1000 bucks, tax, and getting a brand new sail. However, I am paying Visa incase any disputes erupt. Will post results. Have fun on the bay, you lucky bastard! Rob p.s. - I will say that the Spin Tec system (which you can get at the Chandlery on this site) looks like a better system - I just didn't know anyone who had one. I have to talk to owners before I purchase - three guys on my dock said they liked their CDI's. Three guys with Harken's said the same thing.
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Gene
CDI's
Rob, Appreciate your feed back. Did you get the FF6 because of your tall rig, or for extra insurance? Looking at their web site it looked like a FF4 was more than enough for a 27'
Rob, Appreciate your feed back. Did you get the FF6 because of your tall rig, or for extra insurance? Looking at their web site it looked like a FF4 was more than enough for a 27'
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Rob Rich
That's what they recommended
The FF5 and FF6 are good for up to 400 square feet of sail. The FF4 is much less, if I recall correctly. I plan on using mine to reef my jib when one of our famous Texas T-Storms rears its head. I don't care much about sail shape at that point, I just want to be able to reduce sail area. I figured an oversized furling system would make sense. I guess the guys at the sail shop did too. Which way are you leaning, or are you still investigating? Rob
The FF5 and FF6 are good for up to 400 square feet of sail. The FF4 is much less, if I recall correctly. I plan on using mine to reef my jib when one of our famous Texas T-Storms rears its head. I don't care much about sail shape at that point, I just want to be able to reduce sail area. I figured an oversized furling system would make sense. I guess the guys at the sail shop did too. Which way are you leaning, or are you still investigating? Rob
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MJ
CDI FF6
I just installed an FF6 on my 27 standard rig. The luff extrusion for the FF4 is too short for the headstay on a 27. My headstay is just a hair short of 35'. Just to be sure, I would hoist up a tape and do the pin to pin measurement for yourself. The drum on the FF6 is the same size as the FF4 but the internal halyard is beefier on the FF6. CDI is a great deal and has a lifetime warranty, but it was a bitch to install. You will need two-three friends. MJ
I just installed an FF6 on my 27 standard rig. The luff extrusion for the FF4 is too short for the headstay on a 27. My headstay is just a hair short of 35'. Just to be sure, I would hoist up a tape and do the pin to pin measurement for yourself. The drum on the FF6 is the same size as the FF4 but the internal halyard is beefier on the FF6. CDI is a great deal and has a lifetime warranty, but it was a bitch to install. You will need two-three friends. MJ
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Rob Rich
MJ - how's she look under reef?
Just curious as to the general performance you experience - ease in letting out and bringing back in, ease in reefing, sail shape, etc... How much of a difference in performance do you notice as compared to when you had hanks? Thanks! Rob
Just curious as to the general performance you experience - ease in letting out and bringing back in, ease in reefing, sail shape, etc... How much of a difference in performance do you notice as compared to when you had hanks? Thanks! Rob
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MJ
Rob- Performance is better..
but that is probably due to the brand new sail. Sail shape when reefed is good, due to the luff pad in the sail. When reefed to 100% jib size, I couldn't really tell much difference from my old jib
but that is probably due to the brand new sail. Sail shape when reefed is good, due to the luff pad in the sail. When reefed to 100% jib size, I couldn't really tell much difference from my old jib
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Rob Rich
Thanks MJ!
It's always nice to hear from someone who has "been there." I am really looking forward to the furler now. Rob p.s - what is the optional ball bearing kit???
It's always nice to hear from someone who has "been there." I am really looking forward to the furler now. Rob p.s - what is the optional ball bearing kit???
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MJ
Rob-The bearing that comes standard...
is a solid plastic neoprene-like cylinder. The ball bearing kit consists of a steel housing and six torlon(?) ball bearings. This makes it easier to furl and less likely for the furler to foul. It costs around $50 and is well worth it. Good Luck.
is a solid plastic neoprene-like cylinder. The ball bearing kit consists of a steel housing and six torlon(?) ball bearings. This makes it easier to furl and less likely for the furler to foul. It costs around $50 and is well worth it. Good Luck.
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Rob Rich
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