New genoa doesn't fit luff extrusion

[slowtype]

I bought a new genoa over the winter for this season. YEAH!

just tried to hoist it, and I cant get it more than a foot up my old CDI luff extrusion.

WHY WHY WHY

Any idea what is going on? My old genoa was tight, but I could hoist it. Did the sail maker screw up? Have things changed in the past 20 years since my CDI furling system came out? When I ordered it I specified CDI roller furling gear. Thought I would pick the forum brains till Monday when I can make some phone calls.

 

[slowtype]

The problem. The new sail most likely has #6 luff tape.

The instructions that came with my CDI unit suggest the sail maker should use a #4 luff tape.

I have an old CDI microspool with aluminum extrusions.

 

[slowtype]

currently looking for a used roller furling in or near Maine.

One that takes a more standard size luff tape like #6.

 

[Chief RA]

Call the sailmaker and see what he has to say about your/his problem and will he fix it? Chief

 

[slowtype]

I spoke to them.

When I ordered the sail they only asked if I had a CDI furling unit. To which I said yes. Turns out I have an odd one. Claimed they have never done a #4 luff tape before.

Offered me a couple solutions,

->send my sail back, they would make me another. I pay shipping
->small discount on new roller furling

I'm torn, obviously I want to spend as little money to fix this. I also don't see an advantage to having a genoa with a strange size luff tape. My furling is old and I don't imagine it outlasting my sail.

 

[Chief RA]

See what kind of buy they will give you on just a new flexible plastic luff tape that will fit your drum. The whole units are very costly. If its just changing out to smaller line in the sail, that seems to be the least expensive direction to go. Good Luck, Chief

 

[Chief RA]

I did find a Harken furler at West Marine for $215 and that seems like a good price.
Chief

 

[slowtype]

I did find a Harken furler at West Marine for $215 and that seems like a good price.
Chief

Wow if I can get something for $215 its a done deal I will have to check that out.

Unfortunately there are no extrusions available that will fit my drum.

 

[Chief RA]

slowtype: Let us know what you decide and results. Chief

 

[dave_ren]

Since you probably dropped some serious cash on a nice new headsail, consider biting the bullet and purchasing a new CDI FF2 furler to match. Better in the long run than modifying your brand new sail to match an old furler that is probably on its last legs. You can find the FF2 online for about $500 if you shop it around. New genoa + new furler will make it seem like a new boat. Just my two cents (and your $500).

 

[slowtype]

I just picked up a used CDI. The drum cover says 7/9.

Came off of a much bigger boat, it's overkill for the Catalina 22. But its what was available and the right price.

It is in excellent condition, still has aluminum luff extrusions but came with all of the links in good shape. Also, I think it qualifies for a pvc luff extrusion if I ever decide to go that route.

Does anyone foresee any issues with using this oversized roller furling?

 

[justsomeguy]

http://www.sailcdi.com/sailpdf/FF7&9 manual 10_06.pdf

If you haven't read it already.

 

[slowtype]

Update.

Installed everything. Went with the oversized CDI. The drum is huge and just barely fits in between the front rail. Had to do a few mods to make it fit. But it works!

New sail is amazing. Hit some personal record mph's and was able to point much better than before with my old stretched out sail. I even passed a few boats.

 

[CaptDon01]

Sounds like you might be ready for the National's coming your way there in 2015! I'm looking forward to some cruising on the mighty Columbia next year!

Don