Which size furler should I keep?

[Hermit Scott]

When the furler specs say max stay size is 9/32", will it fit well on a 1/4" stay or will there be slop in it?
I bought the c290 and then Saildog pointed out the max length was 40'. So I bought the c320 as well.
The c290 appears to be made for my boat, my boat is in the recommended boat range, as well as the stay size is exactly the size called for, 1/4". But the max system length is 40' and my stay is 43'2".
The c320 calls for a 9/32" stay (max.) and goes to 50' on the stay length. BUT my boat length is below the recommended boat length.
If my sails fit on the smaller furler, should I use it since it seems better fitted for my boat except the stay length?

The bigger furler has two grooves in the foil, but I can't see me ever using that.

I know paying shipping to return one is crappy but I still come out ahead. I was getting ready to spend $1000 on a CDI. Since they were so sharply discounted I may try to ebay the one I don't need and hopefully get the shipping cost I lost back.

 

[Maine Sail]

With Harken you just purchase an extra piece of extrusion and the sleeve. I had to do this on my CS.

I'd check with Pro-Furl and see if that C290 extrusion can handle the twisting loads if you add another 2+ feet. The are robustly built so I'd have a hard time seeing why it would not work. Local sail lofts also usually have an extrusion section or two kicking around that were un-used from a frac rig or cutter install... I can't imagine 2+ extra feet will be a deal breaker..

 

[txtowman]

glad to hear this

great to hear you got one, sounds like things are going well for you. keep in touch.

 

[Chuck Creel]

Something else to check is the pin size. on my H-30 the pins are 1/2 in on both ends.
If yours is 1/2 in also then i'd not recomennd using the 3/8 sizee pins in the furling units.

Good Luck, im installing a harken mk4 on mine this week end.

Also do you want to take a chance on having this in a few months? See photo attached.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

In my opinion, Furlex is the best furler on the market. While others are good (and some better than others), Furlex is one company who takes a look at your boat size, forestay length, forestay size, pin size and other data to determine the righting moment of your boat to select the proper furler to fit. And, you get a new forestay included in the kit which means they have quality control over all the components of the system (you are not putting a new furler on an old forestay in most cases). They also include the halyard retainer (which is an extra part for extra money with most other brands), which eliminates the concern for halyard wrap and they also include the line and the blocks to bring the furler line aft to your cockpit, which often is optional and more money with other brands. It is a nicely engineered product (compare furlers in detail) and I think you will agree. I can't see compromising on such a piece of equipment when it comes to sizing. Whatever you pick, pick the manufacture's recommended size. It is not rocket science in terms of picking the right size pants, is it?

 

[Maine Sail]

In my opinion, Furlex is the best furler on the market. While others are good (and some better than others), Furlex is one company who takes a look at your boat size, forestay length, forestay size, pin size and other data to determine the righting moment of your boat to select the proper furler to fit. And, you get a new forestay included in the kit which means they have quality control over all the components of the system (you are not putting a new furler on an old forestay in most cases). They also include the halyard retainer (which is an extra part for extra money with most other brands), which eliminates the concern for halyard wrap and they also include the line and the blocks to bring the furler line aft to your cockpit, which often is optional and more money with other brands. It is a nicely engineered product (compare furlers in detail) and I think you will agree. I can't see compromising on such a piece of equipment when it comes to sizing. Whatever you pick, pick the manufacture's recommended size. It is not rocket science in terms of picking the right size pants, is it?

Bill,

Having owned a Furlex 200S I can say it is a good unit but I don't consider it any better than Harken, Schaeffer or Pro-Furl or any worse.

All of the big four are very close quality wise and I've either owned or used them all. Owned a Schaeffer 2100. Furlex 200S and a Harken MK-IV and have used Pro-Furls. The boat I race on has a 200S and it's great furler.

I don't think you can easily and clearly define a "best" amongst Harken, Schaeffer, Pro-Furl & Furlex, perhas even Facnor, with all things considered such as warranty.

The Harken's offer a 7 year warranty, the Pro-Furl 10 years and the Schaeffer & Furlex only 5 years. I personally think the Schaeffer's are the most robustly built but also heavy & over priced.

For our boat the Furlex was actually considerably more money than a Harken even when you factored in all the extras like a new head stay, so I went Harken. Even with the ball bearing Harken lead block kit, head stay and other goodies, my furler was still over $600.00 less than the best price quote I got on a Furlex. One should always install a new head stay..

The Pro-Furl unit that Hermit bought is a hell of a furler, with a TEN year warranty, at an amazing price...

 

[Hermit Scott]

I just got an email back from profurl. They said that the c290 will fit my boat, but if I needed any more luff they can get it to me. I asked them how much it cost for 2 extra feet with hardware. They didn't respond yet.

 

[RickS]

We equipped our first boat with a Harken and the current boat came with a factory installed Facnor. The Facnor operation is just as bulletproof as the Harken unit.

 

[Hermit Scott]

great to hear you got one, sounds like things are going well for you. keep in touch.

Thanks, I can't wait to fly both sails.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Something else to check is the pin size. on my H-30 the pins are 1/2 in on both ends.
If yours is 1/2 in also then i'd not recomennd using the 3/8 sizee pins in the furling units.

Good Luck, im installing a harken mk4 on mine this week end.

Also do you want to take a chance on having this in a few months? See photo attached.

I saw that on the installation guide. I am probably going to have to change something at the bow to make it all fit. There is no way I would put a 3/8" pin in a 1/2" hole. I will get the parts to make it right.

 

[Hermit Scott]

$150 for an extra extrusion and a joint kit. I think it's cheaper to keep the 320! When I get them I will take a look at them both and see if I can use the 290 as it is.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Remember that the Catalina 30 tall rig/bow sprit is a pretty big rig. You are better going with a larger sized furler. I treat my Catalina 30 more like a 32 or a 34 when sizing stuff. Besides, there is nothing wrong with having a beefier set-up.