jib furler selection

[calmharbor]

Hi - I just joined and recently purchased a 1981 S-2, 9.2 meter sailboat. I want to get a jib furler and have looked around the internet at Harken, Schaefer and
Profurl just gathering information. I do not know the head stay length and can not seem to get suppliers to respond. If anyone has recommendations
or comments I would appreciate them. I mainly will be cruising the Chesapeake Bay, someday may get down to Florida and the Islands.
New or good used would be fine. Thanks calmharbor.

[Estragon]

I just replaced an old Hood line drive furler with a Profurl, and it was pretty straightforward to install. I chose the Profurl over a Harken, because IIRC the Harken installation required the headstay to be cut, whereas the Profurl fit over the existing.

Can you approximate headstay length by measuring the sail? You'll need the exact length to install (one extrusion piece is cut to fit), but an approximate size may work for pricing and ordering.

[FSMike]

We've had Profurls on our last two boats (20 years +/-) and have been very satisfied.

Attach a fabric tape measure to the halyard for length?

[T37Chef]

Where are you located on the bay? If North PM I can give you some more info.

Purchased a Harken MKIV Unit 2 a couple of years ago, other than the line that comes with it I am very pleased. If I recall it was just over $2,000 installed by the rigger at my marina. The marina is a dealer and has a very good relationship with Harken = the very reasonable price.

Comes with the lead block kit as well as the halyard restrainer:

[knothead]

The new redesigned Hood furlers are a good unit for a good price and Furlex is a good system too. Especially considering that they come with a new forestay, furling line, lead blocks and restrainers.

[sailor50]

You probably have 5/16" wire through the headstay, maybe 1/4".

What wire size are your uppers and backstay? Also measure the pin sizes in your turnbuckles.

The vendors do not have a "one size fits all" Magic Book to tell you what you need. Perhaps you should provide them with a little bit more information!

[sailingdog]

I like the Furlex furlers, which is what I have on my boat. Also have had good experiences with the Harken and Profurl units... not a big fan of the CDI units.

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by Estragon

I just replaced an old Hood line drive furler with a Profurl, and it was pretty straightforward to install. I chose the Profurl over a Harken, because IIRC the Harken installation required the headstay to be cut, whereas the Profurl fit over the existing.

Can you approximate headstay length by measuring the sail? You'll need the exact length to install (one extrusion piece is cut to fit), but an approximate size may work for pricing and ordering.

I just did the exact same thing. I had my heart set on a Harken MKIV but after talking to several riggers, felt I needed the Unit 2 for my boat and that made the Harken a good deal more expensive than a Profurl unit. I am pretty happy with the Profurl except line that came with it seems undersized to me. Today bought a size larger line which I hope will fit my hand better. I just couldn't get a decent grip on the 5/16" stuff and found winching was too slow for my preferences. Hopefully, this will allow me a good enough grip to pull the sail in by hand.

Anyway, unless the rigging has recently been replaced on your 1981 boat, I'd say it would be foolish to install a new furler over the existing headstay. Might as well use the opportunity to get a new stay while you are at it.

FWIW, I got quotes up and down the bay and the Profurl units were the brand most often quoted. I often had to ask to get a quote for the Harken. The MKIV Unit 1, was about the same price as the Profurl, but my boat (36+') was right on the breakpoint between units and every rigger I spoke to suggested I'd be happier with the Unit 2, as did the person I spoke to at the Harken booth at the Annapolis boat show. The Profurl unit was sized for a boat up to 39' but lacks some of the features of the Harken.

[chef2sail]

I replaced the old profurl this year with a Harken IV # 2. What a huge dufference. I like the Harken because the torlon balls are not sealed in and just need a good spraying to clean.

I whole heartedly agree ewith mid life... Replace the forestay while you are at it. We are carry a new "rod" forward under the new furler.

Dave

[QuickMick]

my profurl unit has been on the boat for years and is still right as rain