Roller Furling Choices

[EJ Tews]

I am about ready to add roller furling on my O'Day 25 next week and down to two brands. The CDI FF4 and the Schaefer Marine 500L.Both systems look and sound easy to set up, I would like some feed back on both systems. I have choosen these because I do not have to modify the forward stay.I am looking at performance, maintance and dependability.Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.EJ TewsJennifer Lea

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

EJ - I have a FF4

EJ -I have a CDI FF4 on my boat and I love it. I know lots of people with the Schaefer and they report good things but I don't really have enough experience to comment.The FF4 is priced right, easy to install and maintain, and frees up the jib halyard to fly an off the wind sail with. I don't have the bearings, just delron bushing and it works a treat for me. Maintenance consists of occasionally hitting it with a hose. My only gripe is that you cannot control jib luff tension but in reality it has never been a problem. At least one person reports getting a couple of seconds PHRF for that 'defect.'I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.Justin - O'day Ownrs' Web

 

[Lonnie]

Aldamo roller furling

I owned an aldamo r/f it can be purchased on line and includes shippingno roller bearings, made strong and has aluminum not plastic covering your headstay.easy to install very inexpensive.checkit out at www.aldamo.com

 

[Paul]

CDI

I bought a CDI about 4 years ago and it is great! When I lost a clevis pin and could not find one local, I called CDI and they sent me a couple-no charge. Low/no maintenance easy to install.

 

[EJ Tews]

Thanks for the input

Thank you for the feed back, I have been looking at this for a few months and it is down to the wire. I spoke with a friend who had the CDI with the aluminum extrusion and was not happy, but said if it came with a plastic extrusion that would have been better. He also said the CDI had a luff issue. He enjoyed the Schaefer also. He did pull the CDI off his IP 31 and installed a Harken. But said that both units were good for their price, as long as the extrusion was plastic I should be fine. EJ Tews