Schaefer SnapFurl or CDI Flexible Furler?

[g0twind]

Looking at getting a furler. My local sailmaker is a CDI dealer, so of course he recommended I get the CDI. Not sure I am sold on the internal halyard and I like the open drum on the SnapFurl.

Boat is only trailered twice a year. Looking for quality construction at a decent price point.

Thoughts?

[bljones]

Take a look at Alado.
ALADO - Furler and Roller - main page
A little cheaper than Schaefer, a little better quality than CDI, according to the PS test.

http://www.aladocanada.ca/PSLFurlersHeadsailALADO.pdf

[DonScribner]

We trailer regularly with a Flexible Furler. I like the internal halyard. We tension the luff in the spring and it's good for the season. If I NEED to, I can tighten it on the water but I'm not racing so I haven't seen the need. The internal halyard prevents wrap. I like that part too. When we trailer, which is every time we sail which is every weekend from the end of May to the beginning September which is too little. (No more witches!) we leave the sail furled and strap it to the mast. No problemo.

That's all I know!

[KIVALO]

I have a CDI Flexi-Furl on my boat since new in 2003. Hasn't skipped a beat. All I have done is replace the furling line and that was due to me not liking what was provided. It's been very easy to own. Good luck with your decision.

Brad
s/v KIVALO

[knothead]

Originally Posted by g0twind

Looking at getting a furler. My local sailmaker is a CDI dealer, so of course he recommended I get the CDI. Not sure I am sold on the internal halyard and I like the open drum on the SnapFurl.

Boat is only trailered twice a year. Looking for quality construction at a decent price point.

Thoughts?

Check with your local rigger. They might have experience with a wider variety of systems.

Whatever system you decide on, make certain that you don't ever have to worry about halyard wrap.
That means. Have a halyard restrainer installed if the system does not have an internal halyard. Have a pennant made if necessary to keep the halyard swivel near the top of the extrusion or have the sail made for the system.
If you don't have a problem with halyard wrap, any system you get will most likely serve you well for a long time.

[jjablonowski]

Something to think about for the future: Schaeffer Snapfurl's foil is a two-piece plastic extrusion that snaps around the forestay. Once snapped, it's there permanently...cannot be unsnapped without breaking it.

Fine, except when you later need to swap in a new forestay, the hole in the foil is large enough to fit new wire, but not enough to fit a swaged-on end fitting. Bare wire fed through and then fitted with a mechanical end piece like a Norseman works okay.

Not familiar with alternative furlers.