I'm replacing the running rigging on my 28' Islander which is equipped with an older Unit 1 Harken furler. It is presently rigged with a spliced wire/3/8" line jib halyard. I would like to replace it with straight Samson 3/8" XLS but I am wondering if this furler requires or works better with the wire halyard. My search of the Harken site and manuals has found them silent on the issue as far as I can tell but I've been known to overlook things. Has anyone had experience or knowledge of this conversion? Will the XLS work without affecting halyard wrap tendencies?
Wire Jib Halyard for Harken Roller Furler?
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Interesting question. If you have the Harken manual then you know what they say about halyard wrap. I just ordered a Unit 1 so the manual is in front of me. It would seem less likely to have the dreaded wrap with a wire halyard. But since most owners with Harken furlers have rope halyards it obviously works. I guess I would second the advice to call Harken.
Harken wire halyard
Rope halyards shouldn't be a problem. I had a Harken unit zero for 18 years on my Sabre 28. I went with rope halyard when I installed it initially and never had any problems. Halyard wraps are an easily solvable problem. 1. Make sure upper swivel is within 10" of exit point of jib halyard when sail is fully hoisted. 2. If you have a spinnaker halyard, make sure it is flipped around your spreader and secured when you are not using it. People get into trouble if they cleat the spinnaker halyard at the base of the mast or bow pulpit. Don't do it and you will be fine. The halyard restrainer sold by Harken only helps if you can't get the upper swivel close enough to the halyard exit point.
Rope halyards shouldn't be a problem. I had a Harken unit zero for 18 years on my Sabre 28. I went with rope halyard when I installed it initially and never had any problems. Halyard wraps are an easily solvable problem. 1. Make sure upper swivel is within 10" of exit point of jib halyard when sail is fully hoisted. 2. If you have a spinnaker halyard, make sure it is flipped around your spreader and secured when you are not using it. People get into trouble if they cleat the spinnaker halyard at the base of the mast or bow pulpit. Don't do it and you will be fine. The halyard restrainer sold by Harken only helps if you can't get the upper swivel close enough to the halyard exit point.
I called Harken and they said about the same thing with more of a weather eye cast towards liability. Actual experience is a wonderful thing.
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