[dgr]

I am looking into a roller furler for my Columbia 28. This is a masthead sloop. The I & J measurements are 31.8 and 12. With that I calculate my headstay length at 34 feet and the stay diameter is 3/16".

Looking at CDIs recommendations, they list the FF4 as a maximum stay length of 33' and the FF6 as 39'. Right out of the gate, we are at the fourth largest furler they make.

I'm a little surprised at this as I don't think this is a very big boat. Am I missing something here or is this really the right size furler for a 290 SF 150% Genoa?

Thank you

 

[knothead]

I am looking into a roller furler for my Columbia 28. This is a masthead sloop. The I & J measurements are 31.8 and 12. With that I calculate my headstay length at 34 feet and the stay diameter is 3/16".

Looking at CDIs recommendations, they list the FF4 as a maximum stay length of 33' and the FF6 as 39'. Right out of the gate, we are at the fourth largest furler they make.

I'm a little surprised at this as I don't think this is a very big boat. Am I missing something here or is this really the right size furler for a 290 SF 150% Genoa?

Thank you

If you have your heart set on a CDI Flexible Furler. Pick the FF6. I believe it is the largest they make and none too big for a Columbia 28.
Do you trailer the boat and have a need to drop the mast often?

 

[Leither]

My Morgan 30 has a headstay length of 39', so 31' for your Columbia doesn't seem excessive. Headstay lengths vary considerably from one design to another, of course......

I fitted an FF6 and am delighted with it. I know it is a design which can cause serious sailors to splutter into their beer, but the experience of a number of guys in my area suggests that it works well and lasts well and for those of us on a serious budget, it is perfect. It was also very easy to fit.

Go for it.

Stuart

 

[knothead]

I know it is a design which can cause serious sailors to splutter into their beer, but the experience of a number of guys in my area suggests that it works well and lasts well and for those of us on a serious budget, it is perfect. It was also very easy to fit.

I agree. CDI makes a very affordable, simple and effective furler. The fact that the flexible furlers all have an internal halyard makes them almost immune to the major bane of furlers everywhere. "HALYARD WRAP".
Read and follow the instructions and give the "bearing" a good spray with dry lube once in a while and you will have a reliable furler.

 

[sailingdog]

But be aware that the CDI design isn't as robust as some others. IIRC, knothead had reported about one he had seen where the CDI furler's drum came up a bit and caused the furler to jam... IMHO, if you sail in any kind of heavy winds, you'd be better off with a Harken or Furlex unit.

 

[dgr]

Thank you for the assistance.

I don't trailer the boat. It sits in a marina on San Francisco bay.

This is the classic silk purse/pigs ear dilema. My new outboard cost more than the entire boat; anything but a CDI or an Alado will cost more than the entire boat; The new head sail is going to cost more than the whole boat ... :laugher

While I accept that I won't ever recoup my investment on anything added to this boat, I can't justify the premium price for a higher-end furling unit. At the price point this type of boat sells at, a new owner is going to want to know whether or not it has roller furling and that's probably about it.

Now of course, I need to choose between the CDI and Alado that are basically the same price.

 

[captainmidnight]

Curious what price you're planning on paying, also are you going to fit a fresh forestay. Make sure you have a toggle at top and bottom.

 

[Leither]

But be aware that the CDI design isn't as robust as some others. IIRC, knothead had reported about one he had seen where the CDI furler's drum came up a bit and caused the furler to jam... IMHO, if you sail in any kind of heavy winds, you'd be better off with a Harken or Furlex unit.

I agree it isn't as robust - given the price difference this is hardly suprising. However, the view of the guys that I spoke to around here is that there should be no problems with furling in any condidtions if care is taken with installation and set-up.

My previous boat had a Furlex which jammed from time to time, so I guess problems can arise with any system.....

Stuart

 

[knothead]

I agree it isn't as robust - given the price difference this is hardly suprising. However, the view of the guys that I spoke to around here is that there should be no problems with furling in any condidtions if care is taken with installation and set-up.

My previous boat had a Furlex which jammed from time to time, so I guess problems can arise with any system.....

Stuart

True, installation is critical to having a good working system. Follow the directions.

 

[dgr]

captainmidnight,
Like everyone else, I am looking for the best value when shopping for this. I don't have a specific price point yet as I am still looking around.


My stays are 6 months old. (There we go again, more money than the boat is worth ) I will make sure that the stay is toggled on both ends with whatever furler I install.

 

[Leither]

captainmidnight,
Like everyone else, I am looking for the best value when shopping for this. I don't have a specific price point yet as I am still looking around.

My stays are 6 months old. (There we go again, more money than the boat is worth ) I will make sure that the stay is toggled on both ends with whatever furler I install.

As a matter of interest, I paid a smidgeon under $600 for my FF6. I replaced the forestay, but only because it was very old and worn. You certainly won't want to replace a 6 month old stay if you can possibly avoid it, assuming that the toggle issue doesn't rear its ugly head.

It may also be worth noting that I replaced the stay and the furler with the mast up. It was really straightforward and I am not sure how possible this would be with eg an Alado.

Good hunting

Stuart

 

[knothead]

As a matter of interest, I paid a smidgeon under $600 for my FF6. I replaced the forestay, but only because it was very old and worn. You certainly won't want to replace a 6 month old stay if you can possibly avoid it, assuming that the toggle issue doesn't rear its ugly head.

It may also be worth noting that I replaced the stay and the furler with the mast up. It was really straightforward and I am not sure how possible this would be with eg an Alado.

Good hunting

Stuart

Okay, How about the rest of the rig? You stated "..it was very old and worn."
That caught my attention. Was the rest of the rigging replaced at a different time or does it look bad too?

BTW, If you have to add a toggle, and you want to use an existing forestay, it can easily be shortened with the use of a mechanical fitting.

 

[Leither]

Okay, How about the rest of the rig? You stated "..it was very old and worn."
That caught my attention. Was the rest of the rigging replaced at a different time or does it look bad too?

Interestingly, the rest of the rigging is fine - I have been over it thoroughly and can find nothing which suggest that there is a problem. I am pretty sure it is all the same age as the forestay. However, the previous furler had an aluminium foil which was in poor condition. In particular, it was kinked and the joints were beginning to spring. This seemed to have created wear points on the stay which were quite severe in places making it look "old and worn".

Stuart