Time to buy a Roller Furler system....any advice?

[SV THIRD DAY]

As the "cast off" get closer and after much back-n-forth we have decided to install a roller reefing system on THIRD DAY, currently leaning towards Profurl.  Any thoughts or things to look for and watch as we have the system installed and have a new sail made?  

I know...I know...I'm risking "certain death and the loss of the boat in a storm" if the sail opens up, but we are over that...or should I say Lori is over that, so on we march!

Can anyone help me with the forstay length of the P365 Ketch?  



Thanks

[Randy]

Rich, I just had a new Harken MK IV installed on my boat. The new Harken Cruising Furler dies not look very robust. OK for the day sailor, but as you are planning long blue water stuff, I would go with the Harken MK IV Had to go with the larger model as our headstays are 3/8". It makes the cost of doing business go up. Had new 155 genoa made also. I have the headstay length written down on the boat. Will get it tonight. As memory serves me, it is about 45'. Will go over costs in PM if you would like. R

[SailingSeaDragon]

Rich,

I went with the Hood Seafurl-V H-325 for the headsail and the Seafurl-V H-253 for the staysail...

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Rigging.htm

Because of the 3/8" headstay you will be looking at the more expensive unit regardless of who's unit you choose.

http://www.sailingseadragon.com/MaintenanceLog.htm

I should not show this as it puts my sanity in question.

Garner

[eveningebb]

Rich,

You might take a look at the Spin-Tec furler.  It's simple, robust, well-warrantied, and affordable.

I've still got the original Stearns Dyna-Furl on my boat, but I'm afraid I'll only be able to coax it along for another season or two of bay sailing and even though they still sell the bearings for the unit, the fact that it doesn't have a wire forestay is enough to make me consider replacing it for any longer trips.  I'm leaning toward purchasing the Spin-Tec furler.

Good luck,

Dirk

[NormP]

I installed a Reef Rite system from New Zealand. I have had it just under one year. The system does not use luff tape on the sail. Instead slides (kiwi slides) are sewn onto the luff. The foil has two tracks for the kiwi slides. The sail goes up much like the mainsail slides. Dropping the sail is no different than with a hanked on jib. About 4ft up the foil, there is a gate that can be twisted to open the tracks. With the gate open, a second sail can be loaded onto the bottom section of foil track. Close the gate and drop the old sail, then raise the new sail. Finally open the gate and remove the old slides and sail from the bottom section of the foil track and close the gate. Sail changes are easy.

Another feature that I really like ( actually I more than like it) is the locking pin. In order to unfurl the sail, a locking pin has to be pulled. This is done with a trip wire back to the cockpit. When furling, the pin ratchets as you furl. Thus as the sail is furled, it cannot unfurl. When reefing, there is no need to use the furling line to hold the reef in place, just furl until the size is as desired, sheet the sail in and go. To shake out the reef, pull the pin and unfurl the sail.

As I said, I have had it less than a year and so far I am pleased.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Norm...I have to say, that Reef Rite system doesn sound damn interesting!

Turns out I have a friend of a friend that purchased a Profurl Classic Model NC42 and due to health problems is unable to use the unit an is willing to sell the still in the box unit to me for about 1/2 of what I could buy one for new.  Being a new luxury car worth over budget on the refit it's too good a deal to pass up.

[BlameItOnBuffett]

I had a Harken Mark IV on a Westerly 36, and loved it. You could roll up the headsail while pointing anywhere from a run to a close reach, all without a winch. I never had an issue with binding or anything.

Jim Tyson
SV Blame It On Buffett

[S/V Pegasus]

Installed a Profurl, NC-42 on Pegasus, about 10 years ago, easy to install, never had any problems with it and never needed the winch to furl it.
Good luck, Tom

[SV THIRD DAY]

Installed a Profurl, NC-42 on Pegasus, about 10 years ago, easy to install, never had any problems with it and never needed the winch to furl it.
Good luck, Tom

Great to hear Tom....and now I know who to go to for advice during my install.... .  I'll be picking up the unit Wednesday.  I saved some $ on the unit...but figure the $ I saved will be blown on a new headsail....or something eles, because there always seems to be "something else".  I'll be glad when we finally cast off Cruising (only 27weeks to go) because maybe then the $ flow on boat "something else" will finally come to an END!

[RayNWanda]

We just ordered a Profurl NC42. How did the install go? We plan to install it ourselves.

We also have a new main and mizzen coming, and the stuff to build lazy jacks. Once the furler is installed, we can order the new genoa. This concludes our "playing" for a while...

[SV THIRD DAY]

Install of the NC42 was a snap....took us a day....but was more or less a relaxed day.  The manual gives good instructions and our installation didn't require the typical "boat explatives" and seem commonplace when installing new equipment.  If you have any questions about the install....just give me a shout!  

We are living aboard now....yippee....