I am hoping that there is someone who could guide me in the ways of Roller Furlings for a Jib sail. I am trying to buy a roller furling for my dad for Christmas, and do not know enough about them to start looking intelligently. He has a '74 Westerly 21. Any help in what would be the best route to go would be greatly appreciated.
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B
Bob
I like my Schaefer SnapFurl
Although I haven't had it too long, I've pushed it pretty hard. Practical Sailor(April 2000) liked it when they ran a comparison test and said, "it rates a Best Buy, hands down." You will need the fairlead kit. Check around - you can get them for less than retail if you shop and compare.
Although I haven't had it too long, I've pushed it pretty hard. Practical Sailor(April 2000) liked it when they ran a comparison test and said, "it rates a Best Buy, hands down." You will need the fairlead kit. Check around - you can get them for less than retail if you shop and compare.
I'd look at a CDI.
Dan: I would look at the CDI for a smaller boat. I personally do not think that they compare to some of the better units on the market once you go above a 25-26' boat, but should be fine on a smaller boat. My favorite furler for a 30'+ boat is the Spin-tec units that are sold on this website.
Dan: I would look at the CDI for a smaller boat. I personally do not think that they compare to some of the better units on the market once you go above a 25-26' boat, but should be fine on a smaller boat. My favorite furler for a 30'+ boat is the Spin-tec units that are sold on this website.
T
Tom s/v GAIA
M
Mike
Other things to think about
Now that's a great present! Just keep in mind that your choice of furler will impact lots of other areas. Some things you need to know/consider before you choose a furler: The jib will need to have some work done on it to accomodate a furler. The amount of work will depend on the system you choose. If the existing sail is old, it may not be in good enough shape to survive the work, or it may not have enough life left to be worthwhile. You will probably want to have a uv resistent cover sewn on any sail you use. In any case, figure in the cost of the sail work when choosing a furler. You might need a new headstay depending on the system you choose. Also, know the length and diameter of the existing headstay when you shop. If the system you choose requires cutting or replacing the headstay, remember to figure this into the cost. If you want to reef the jib as well as furl, don't forget to account for your existing deck hardware. Many small boats (especially older ones) have fixed (as opposed to moveable) jib blocks. If you are going with a genoa that you intend to reef down, you will need moveable jib sheet blocks. One piece of shopping advice: once you choose a system, shop for it on the internet. I eventually bought my furler from a local sailmaker; I was originally only going to have th sail work done with him, but he offered to match whatever price I could find on the internet. I chose a CDI furler because of the above; CDI's use the existing headstay, and my jib required only to have a tape sewn in the luff.
Now that's a great present! Just keep in mind that your choice of furler will impact lots of other areas. Some things you need to know/consider before you choose a furler: The jib will need to have some work done on it to accomodate a furler. The amount of work will depend on the system you choose. If the existing sail is old, it may not be in good enough shape to survive the work, or it may not have enough life left to be worthwhile. You will probably want to have a uv resistent cover sewn on any sail you use. In any case, figure in the cost of the sail work when choosing a furler. You might need a new headstay depending on the system you choose. Also, know the length and diameter of the existing headstay when you shop. If the system you choose requires cutting or replacing the headstay, remember to figure this into the cost. If you want to reef the jib as well as furl, don't forget to account for your existing deck hardware. Many small boats (especially older ones) have fixed (as opposed to moveable) jib blocks. If you are going with a genoa that you intend to reef down, you will need moveable jib sheet blocks. One piece of shopping advice: once you choose a system, shop for it on the internet. I eventually bought my furler from a local sailmaker; I was originally only going to have th sail work done with him, but he offered to match whatever price I could find on the internet. I chose a CDI furler because of the above; CDI's use the existing headstay, and my jib required only to have a tape sewn in the luff.
K
Kevin
Here's 3 choices
Dan, the March/April 2002 issue of Good Old Boat provided an overview of furlers. In the size you are looking at there were 3 PVC foil furlers mentioned: The CDI FF4, Hood Sea Flex, and Schaefer Snap Furl. If price is an issue these are the models you want to be looking at. I have never heard anyone complain about their CDI units and they are probably the lowest priced on the market. If you want an aluminum foil unit I suggest the Hood SL 707 unit. This is what I use and it is very competively priced. Kevin
Dan, the March/April 2002 issue of Good Old Boat provided an overview of furlers. In the size you are looking at there were 3 PVC foil furlers mentioned: The CDI FF4, Hood Sea Flex, and Schaefer Snap Furl. If price is an issue these are the models you want to be looking at. I have never heard anyone complain about their CDI units and they are probably the lowest priced on the market. If you want an aluminum foil unit I suggest the Hood SL 707 unit. This is what I use and it is very competively priced. Kevin
K
Ken Koons
CDI FF2
I installed a CDI FF2 on my Hunter 240. The FF2 is also installed on the Hunter 260's as well. I think the FF4 would be overkill on a 21 footer. Installation was fairly easy. My cost $300 or so for the unit, $350 for sail mods. My wife and I love the unit!
I installed a CDI FF2 on my Hunter 240. The FF2 is also installed on the Hunter 260's as well. I think the FF4 would be overkill on a 21 footer. Installation was fairly easy. My cost $300 or so for the unit, $350 for sail mods. My wife and I love the unit!
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