head sail reefing systems

joha

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25 Feb 2008
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Hi
My headsail reefing system has given up the ghost after 20 od years. Its a Profurl, and until now has worked without any problems at all. So I'm thinking of replacing it with a profurl system again. but am open to suggestions on other makes and would like to hear if anyone has had problems with Profurl.

I had a Furlex system on my previous boat but was never quite happy with it as it would get a haliyard wrap now and again.

Cheers
j
 
Halyard wrap problems are usually more to do with geometry than the different systems. My criteria would be smoothness of operation (quality of bearings) and durability (strength of foil). I have had an above deck Furlex which met both but my current twin groove TD Furlex is harder to wind and the forestay has to be further back to get the drum below deck.
 
I've recently replaced my old Profurl with a twin grooved Furlex and it seems very good.
I did get a riding turn on my Profurl just as I was entering Cherbourg in the dark 5 years ago and by sheltering behind the outer harbour wall I managed to get it all free again thanks to having a headtorch to see what was what.
 
Sailspar is a UK made gear, good rugged engineering.
Halyard wrap is often an installation problem on any gear,(no diverter fitted, different height of sail, another halyard getting involved ,lack of maintainance if some is required etc)
All contributing factors often caused by owners not checking the instructions too!.
Harken have lovely bearing units ,better than most on the market,you gets what you pay for.
Mostly you need a good make, correctly installed, which will give years of trouble free service.
Ask your rigger for an opinion,they fit and replace furlers all the time.
Cindy
 
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