Roller Furler for O' Day 25

[Bob]

I am looking for a reliable and inexpensive roller furling unit for an O'Day 25.The Schaefer Snapfurl literature states that it will work on sailboats up to 24 feet in length. The O'Day 25 is 24'10" so I guess that this unit will not work for this model.Am I correct in this assumption? What other roller furling unit would be best for the O'Day 25?Thanks for any help, I am just getting too long in the tooth to hank on sails anymore!

 

[Don Evans]

You Are Incorrect About the Snapfurl

I have one on my 25. It has more to do with the rigging size than length. I just had a long discussion with my loft (Sobstad), who I bought the furler from 2 years ago. He says Schaeffer, took a conservative estimate about the snapfurl. My loft has installed these units on boats up to 27' with no problem. That being said, the unit has worked so well on the smaller cruisers that they apparently are bringing out a design based on the snapfurl for boats in the 25 to 32 foot range. I suspect it will have a larger drum to handle the extra length of line needed, but the extruded foil has been a winner. I'd consider it highly. As with all furlers follow manufacturers installation instructions carefully, and make sure the drum line has a fairlead and the jib halyard will not entangle the top of the unit near the mast. I will be glad to help with answers if you go this route.Don

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

I'd go with CDI

There is nothing wrong with the Schaefer, but I think that for the money you can't beat the CDI-FF4. I had one installed on my C25 last winter and it has worked wonderfully for me. Extruded foil so its easy to handle, and it has an integral halyard leaving your existing genny halyard to be whatever you like - on my boat its become the topping lift/spare main halyard.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Russell Marcks]

CDI

I agree with Justin. The CDI is tough to beat as far as price. I have one on my 25. However, I would order the ball bearing option in lieu of the standard delrin bearing.Russ

 

[Don Evans]

I Like The CDI Too But...

at the time the Schaeffer snapfurl, with the SS bearings, was cheaper than the comparable CDI. Both were rated very highly by Practical Sailor, with Schaeffer getting a slight nod as the "Best Buy". I think either one would be a good choice.Don