Roller Furling

[Lyn]

I would like to add a roller furling to my '82 Hunter 27.(Currently no furling at all) Any suggestions or advice on what will work the best for my boat? Plus maintenance-free and guaranteed not to faulter. I don't mind spending the money on a quality product, however I don't want to break the bank either. I frequently sail alone and want something easy to use, durable and reliable.Tips on install would be great too! Thanks for the input!

 

[Dave Teal]

Harken since 1987

DON'T buy the double line systems, they're nothing but trouble!I've had a Harken roller furler on my H31 since 1987 and the only problem I've encountered is roll pins popping out of the foil section joints after being out in 50 knot winds with the jib collapsing and refilling (downwind)!If you have the jib halyard really tight, you may need to ease it a bit to reef or furl.When we bought our Hunter, I had to be talked into adding a roller furler, but, after sailing the boat for 15 years I've never been sorry I acquiesced.

 

[Warren Renninger]

Sea Furl 5

I bought and installed a Hood Sea Furl 5 on my 1980 H27. Bought from SailNet when it was JSI Sails. Also had them make me a 130 Genoa.Love the Sea Furl, never a bit of maintenance. Installation went just like book says. Was able to do it without climbing mast. Had to replace the lower fitting on the forestay to allow the extrusion to be slid up the stay. Lessons learned: A 130 Genoa should be lightweight dacron. I used a heavier "blue water" cruising weight and wish I had used a lighter fabric. I wanted to have the Genoa end about 2 ft off the deck to give visability. The one made for me was too big and I can't see under it. Measure after installing the system, not before. The halyard doesn't pull the sail to the very top of the forestay extrusion.Best of luck. I sail singlehanded all the time and roller furling makes it easy.

 

[David Foster]

Happy with the Harken

installed on our '77 h27 before we bought it. Trouble free, and does what it is supposed to every time over the past 3 years (500 actual sailing hours) on Lake Erie.DavidLady Lillie