OK - I want one but don't see many boats my size with them - I know there are 22's and 222's with them, price is not toooo bad if I save my pennies. But...
I can think of a lot of pros - easy sail storage, reefing, looks cool.
I know of some cons - mainly dealing with sail performance - the leading edge is not as clean, causing less then optimal air flow - of course, my Oday 22 is not a performance boat, but then maybe because of that performance is an issue.
I'm sure the vote will be to get one - but let's here it.
I think my #1 reason for getting one would be the ability to reef the jib.
Like I mentioned before, the furler is going to add weight to your mast and make it difficult in the raising/lowering process. Outside of that, your mast has tangs which is a plus for you. Your fore stay probably has toggles and toggle straps at both ends which is recommended by the manufacturer of CDI if you choose to buy this brand.
I bought my CDI FF-2 off Rudy at D&R Marine and he told me that it would be wise to buy the furler without ball bearings. There is a large flat washer that the drum can spin on that comes with the kit and this is adequate for this size furler. He said that the ball bearings can fail after a while causing the stay to break.
My furler seems to work fine without the ball bearings. I added a 5" tang to my bow plate to raise my furler drum enough to clear my anchor when it's stowed on the anchor roller. I also use a press button Quick Pin to attach my furler to this tang. I would never use a "Fast Pin" on anything.
I had my Gennie converted over to fit on the furler luff and they installed the UV shield. This sail is a little up swept at the clew so that I can see under it. I don't think that they supply the control line with the furler so buy enough line so that you can install the cleat near the stern somewhere. Don't mount the cleat before the Gennie winch or the sheet will snag on it every time you come about. This was one of my screw ups that I finally corrected last year. Live and learn. Outside of that, you can't beat a furler.
Some guys equate single handing with running the halyards back to the cockpit, but to me, single handing is having an autopilot and a roller furler and you could get by without the furler, but the furler is safer.
