We are replacing our Roller furling system (original 1983 CDI) and headsail on our 1983 Hunter27. We would like advice/guidance on the best choice of system. We are considering Harkin, Schaeffer (snapfurl), Profurl and CDI (with roller bearing package).
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Furler Choices
I just replaced mine last year, 1981 H30. I was satisfied with the old unit, a CDI 7-9 I believe. We are fair-weather coastal cruisers and have a 150 genoa and North gennaker for head sails. Our old unit died of old age and we got the current replacement drum offered by CDI. It is a much improved product over the original but unfortunately larger. The dimensional differences, not disclosed by CDI, were a lower position on the headstay and larger diameter drum. The lower position resulted in blocking access to the tack hooks on the deck and the drum was too close to the lower rail of the pulpit. It cost about $700 to have extension links placed under the drum, the forestay shortened accordingly, and the pulpit enlarged to accomodate the drum. Although not thankful for all the hassle, I believe the CDI unit to be a good choice for someone using a boat as we do. There are other factors to consider however. The CDI unit uses a built-in stainless wire halyard. When the sail is removed for mast-up winter storage or a sail change, a messenger is required to secure the connection to the halyard. If a smaller head sail were to be put up, a longer halyard extension would have to be affixed prior to raising it. This makes use of a second sail for other purposes very difficult. There is a second slot in the foil used for the halyard. I'm not sure if a second genoa, raised with a true jib halyard, for sailing wing and wing for example, could be raised at all , or far enough to work. In any case, I suspect a second sail would have to be smaller enough to cause some imbalance problems. I would not recommend the CDI unit for anyone considering serious racing or any offshore cruising requiring foresail changes for performance or safety considerations.
I just replaced mine last year, 1981 H30. I was satisfied with the old unit, a CDI 7-9 I believe. We are fair-weather coastal cruisers and have a 150 genoa and North gennaker for head sails. Our old unit died of old age and we got the current replacement drum offered by CDI. It is a much improved product over the original but unfortunately larger. The dimensional differences, not disclosed by CDI, were a lower position on the headstay and larger diameter drum. The lower position resulted in blocking access to the tack hooks on the deck and the drum was too close to the lower rail of the pulpit. It cost about $700 to have extension links placed under the drum, the forestay shortened accordingly, and the pulpit enlarged to accomodate the drum. Although not thankful for all the hassle, I believe the CDI unit to be a good choice for someone using a boat as we do. There are other factors to consider however. The CDI unit uses a built-in stainless wire halyard. When the sail is removed for mast-up winter storage or a sail change, a messenger is required to secure the connection to the halyard. If a smaller head sail were to be put up, a longer halyard extension would have to be affixed prior to raising it. This makes use of a second sail for other purposes very difficult. There is a second slot in the foil used for the halyard. I'm not sure if a second genoa, raised with a true jib halyard, for sailing wing and wing for example, could be raised at all , or far enough to work. In any case, I suspect a second sail would have to be smaller enough to cause some imbalance problems. I would not recommend the CDI unit for anyone considering serious racing or any offshore cruising requiring foresail changes for performance or safety considerations.
From a quality standpoint
I think all the major brand furlers, except CDI, are all pretty similar these days. Deciding on which one to buy often means deciding who is going to install and maintain it. From a price a standpoint, CDI wins hands down, yet it does not compare in quality or some features, to the major brand furlers. Yet everyone I know who has a CDI, likes it (with some exceptions here and there). When I replaced my furler a few years ago, I went through this same decision process and chose a Furlex 200. This is a fairly pricey, high quality, furler that comes with a new forestay (important!) and has a lot of features I wanted. I made the decision based mostly on my thinking that I am going to keep this boat a fairly long time and so wanted a rugged, dependable, furler that will go the distance. I have not regretted that decision. If I thought I may only keep the boat a fairly short time (i.e., <5 yrs), I would have chosen the CDI.
I think all the major brand furlers, except CDI, are all pretty similar these days. Deciding on which one to buy often means deciding who is going to install and maintain it. From a price a standpoint, CDI wins hands down, yet it does not compare in quality or some features, to the major brand furlers. Yet everyone I know who has a CDI, likes it (with some exceptions here and there). When I replaced my furler a few years ago, I went through this same decision process and chose a Furlex 200. This is a fairly pricey, high quality, furler that comes with a new forestay (important!) and has a lot of features I wanted. I made the decision based mostly on my thinking that I am going to keep this boat a fairly long time and so wanted a rugged, dependable, furler that will go the distance. I have not regretted that decision. If I thought I may only keep the boat a fairly short time (i.e., <5 yrs), I would have chosen the CDI.
No complaints with my CDI
The CDI (FF6 i think) on my 27' has been on there for a long time - I had found the receipt from a PO and it was put in during the last century (LOL). It has the ball bearing option and is still going strong. As far as as reefing the sail, I'm sure it has more of a negative impact than other furlers but I don't find it to be a problem. I end up reefing or dropping the main first in heavy weather (since the 27's seem to suffer a bit of weather helm, the main down first seems to work for me the best). Plus the fact the boat is pretty stiff, I seem to not have to reef until the wind really picks up. My 2 cents. Manny
The CDI (FF6 i think) on my 27' has been on there for a long time - I had found the receipt from a PO and it was put in during the last century (LOL). It has the ball bearing option and is still going strong. As far as as reefing the sail, I'm sure it has more of a negative impact than other furlers but I don't find it to be a problem. I end up reefing or dropping the main first in heavy weather (since the 27's seem to suffer a bit of weather helm, the main down first seems to work for me the best). Plus the fact the boat is pretty stiff, I seem to not have to reef until the wind really picks up. My 2 cents. Manny
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