More questions on rollerfurling

[Paul Palmer]

I am planning to install rollerfurling on my OD25 next spring. I read with interest the replies to Tim's question. My question is: does the plastic foil reef as well and maintains as good a sail shape in heavy weather as an aluminum foil. I know the plastic is much easier to drop for tailer sailors who drop their mast quite often but I only drop my mast if I need to bring the boat home for major repairs. I wouldn't want to sacrifice any performance for ease of dropping the mast. I have heard that the profurl is very good. Am interested in the results of the Practical Sailor report. Which furlers they tested and their their pick if anyone has that info. My subscription started after that issue. This is an expensive addition so I want to be as well informed as possible before making a decision.Thanks for your help.Paul

 

[Don Evans]

I Have That Article

Paul, strictly from memory, the best buy I believe was almost a dead heat between the CDI and the Schaeffer Snap-Furl. Since the CDI model has been around longer, and has a lifetime guarantee, this is an extremely popular brand. I have the Schaeffer Snap-Furl, and am pretty satisfied with it. I am still experiencing set up problems, with regards to the fairlead of the drum line, but I don't think this is the fault of the RF design itself. You can order back copies of articles from Practical Sailor, at www.practical-sailor.comDon

 

[R.W.Landau]

Don, Your Problems with furler,

Don, Is you r furler jambing? Or is the high swivel rotating?I don't know if you have heard of a halyard restrainer or not but they mount +/- 6" down from the head of the mast whickh puts a strain on the upper swivel so that it does not wrap around as the furler is operated.Hope this is some helpr.w.

 

[Tom Ehmke]

roller furling-to Paul

Paul,I own a 272 and have a CDI roller furler with the aluminum foils. A couple of years ago I replaced the old split drum with the new model which comes with the Flexible Furler. I didn't buy the whole new system because the foil system was working well, and when I called CDI about it, I was told that I could upgrade the rest of the system later as everything was compatible. I don't think CDI makes the foil system any more, but they do stock parts for the older systems. I've replaced the fittings that hold the foil sections together as they kink easily if the furler is allowed to sag at mast stepping time. I think CDI was the original equipment on the smaller O'Days, the 272 being the largest model the CDI was used on. I'm happy with the system. My only complaint is the alignment of the furling line with the entry to the drum. It's really hard to get it to feed at a right angle because the line rubs against the top lipof the stainless drum at that angle. I wrap the line with tape every spring to prevent chafe.

 

[Gary Gusavage]

Crusing Design

I purchased a Crusing Design for my 25 O'day three years ago and I think it is great.But what do I know.