Furler change

[Mackaroni]

Been gone for a while and am finally getting back to my boat. I have intended to change out the Isomax furler for another furler, probably a Harken.

I was curious......is it better to change this out while the mast is still on the ground or better when the mast is on the boat?

 

[agprice22]

I find this easier with the mast on the ground. I replaced the original with a CDI with bearings. It works well. Unless you can easily get to the top of the mast, install the new furler on the ground, and install the sail after the mast is stepped.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Evan656]

Definitely on the ground. Not sure there is another way. In my case, I inspected the system and decided to service the Isofurl furler. This involved replacing all bearings at the top and bottom of the furler (bearing kit about $400 from Rigrite). I will replace the Isofurl in the future when I replace headsails but for now the cost of a new furler and, potentially, re-cutting my jibs can go into priority repairs and upgrades.

 

[Bluemoon27]

Anyone with an Isofurl jib furler needs to keep a close eye on it. On some of them, the furler replaces the forestsay, and uses a temporary halyard to raise the jib. So the furler itself is the ONLY thing holding the mast. If you have a loose setscrew and the furler jams, you risk accidentally unscrewing the bearing assembly. I almost dropped the mast into the cockpit.