Hood Roller Furler - LD (Line Drive)

[John Mavrovich]

Hood Yacht Systems offers an upgrade which converts the LD (Line Drive - continuous loop furling line) to the SL (single line) model. Reason for this is that a partially reefed jib can unfurl in high winds. I spoke with Hood and they admit there are problems with the LD and that is why they offer the conversion (drive unit assy/drum) at half price - $481.56 for the Model 810. They also are quick to state that many owners are pleased with the LD unit and that replacing the bearings ($62.50) and the furling line should give you good performance. However, they won't say it won't unfurl in high winds. Has anyone experienced these failures? What have you done to deal with it? Is rebuilding the old unit worthwhile? Premature thanks.

 

[Gordon S.]

LD Works for Me

My C27 has the HOOD 705 line drive. I have no problem holding a reef in my 135 genny as long as both sides of the line are kept taught to a cleat. Of course the 30 sail is bigger.

 

[Mike Elmore]

no problems at all

I've had no problems keeping a reef in the 150% genoa on my C28.As Gordon said though, I do make sure to securely cleat both "ends" of the single line off to the deck cleat.Mike ElmoreWindward HullC28 - Hull #7

 

[h.banick]

HOOD FURLER

I had the LD on my cat 30.the problem was when furling the jib in any kind of wind the line would slip on the drum and the splice in the line would get stuck trying to enter the drum. This would leave the sail part way out. I talked to Hood about this & they gave me a deal on a new SL furler. So if any one is looking for a used LD its going real cheap.