Furling installation... Headstay removal?

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Brent

Hello, I'm considering getting a roller furling setup for my 26 foot boat but cost would definitely be a determining factor and I don't want to skimp on quality so I'd like to be able to do the install myself, but the one thing I'm not clear on is if for most systems the headstay needs to be removed. If this is the case, how does one get to the top of the mast? It looks like Schaefer's snapfurl system can be installed by just sliding the extrusions up the headstay, but the Harken units seem to need to have the headstay removed. I've also been looking at the Spin-Tec, Hood, and CDI systems but can't seem to see for certain how this install works. Do I need to climb my mast to put one of these on or does it depend on the system I order? I know I'll need to put some additional cost into modifying my sail as well... Thanks, Brent
 
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Bob

Used CDI

Hi Brent, Converted 27' O'day 2 years ago. All manufacturers provide quality systems so sure you will be happy. Selected CDI because it is self contained - no haylard. Replaced stay with mast up - original not compatible. Use jib halyard to hoist cruising spinnaker. Bought new 135 genoa - had a 3 year old 120 with a single reef - kept as a backup and now sure it will never be used. Reefed once to 70% or so in strong 35+ kt winds - and without concern. No regrets and no longer on the fore deck for sail change / reef. Good luck
 
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Jeff D.

Famet

Little advertising but great Practical Sailor review. Internal halyard and very competitive price wise. Also make sure the unit you buy is a reefer as well as a furler. There is a difference. Foam luff is also recommended with any unit that reefs. Link below
 
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Brent

Harken needs headstay cutting, also removal?

The unit I am considering most is the Harken mkII unit 0 as I have found one for a good deal and have read good reviews of it, but, with this unit I know the headstay needs to be cut to size. Looking at the manuals it looks as if the whole headstay needs to be taken down, is this the case? I just don't know how to get to the top of my mast to release the headstay. If I can do it all from the bow of the boat with the mast raised I'd be in good shape to do the other stuff. Thanks, Brent
 
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Bayard Gross

Toggle at top of forestay

I beleive most furler manufacturers greatly recommend the addition of a toggle at the top of the forestay. As this toggle adds length to the forestay, you must shorten the forestay to accomodate for the toggle. Also, most furlers require the forestay have a threaded stud at the bottom, as opposed to a swaged eye as is common on older C-22's. Your best bet is probably to lower the mast to install a new forestay with a toggle on it. While I have seen an old forestay removed and a new one added by an individual hoisted up his mast, his boat has an old style main halyard wire winch with a brake and a couple of competent friends to assisit him in the endeavor. The boat also has aft and foward lower shrouds that keep the mast upright after the forstay is removed.
 
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John Visser

Profurl

I installed a Profurl on my C36. The extrusions didn't fit over either the top (eye) or bottom (stud) of my 5/16" headstay. You can install with the headstay up by siding the extrusions up the stay, but this would require cutting off the stud, and fitting a StaLock stud. This will shorten the wire, so you might need to add a toggle at the bottom to lengthen the stay. I'd recommend that if your stay is ten or so years old to replace it when installing a new furler. jv
 
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