New headsail furler - "must be bullet proof" - Profurl or Harken ?

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homa

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New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

I've had quotes for the above for my 33' cruiser racer.

Same rrp but Harken works out a little more due to extras (e.g. forestay & Stalock terminal)

I want a bullet proof setup which will be used for cruising only.

I've heard from a friend who has one and my rigger that the Harken needs checking from time to time due to grub screws coming adrift.
The Profurl appears to be more of a fit and forget system.

However, I like the Harken gear it has a smaller and more aerodynamic foil/drum profile. Although the profurl looks more substantial.

I guess both would be OK, has anyone any experience of either brand ?

Tx
Homa
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

We've got Furlex, which I like, although there are some who don't. The only other make I'd consider is the Harken.

If memory serves, the Profurl has carbon steel bearings. OK, they're sealed but for me that's a non starter, although I'm sure many will recommend it.

Not really helpful I'm afraid, but then we're all different - I've even met people who like the Facnor and Plastimo systems.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Looking at the web sites the support, downloading of manuals, spares lists etc seem to be consistent across both suppliers. So that's not a factor. I think I would be comparing both at the boat show and seeing who will outdeal the other.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

I've had a Harken system for 2 years and cant fault it.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Profurl is very reliable and well built - rightly or wrongly I've always considered Harken to be in the high Performance/Racing bracket as opposed to cruising.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Hi Homa
we have a Harken system now 6 seasons old , its very good & warrenty for 7 yrs ( for what it may be worth ).
would recomend the system.
Profurl were the best maybe 20 yrs ago & guess there still good.
if you want to se a Harken in the flesh PM me
roger
PS hows the "Jolly" /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

It's not down to price now as I've got what I believe to be a fair price for either.

I want a near as possible totally reliable system.
I've sailed with various brands over the years and all had their niggles. But I have no knowledge of these two brands. I really want feedback from users of this equipment. good or bad.
The Harken seems popular with the racers and certainly looks nice. the Profurl is more agricultural by comparison which could imply that it is more durable.
Although the previous post has made a valid point about longevity of the sealed bearings in a grease bath. The Harken on the other hand has Torlon ball bearings requiring no lubrication or seals.
Any other points anyone ?
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Homa,

We specified a Harken furler for our new 40 ft racer/cruiser which was delivered in July. We chose the harken despite being three times the price of the standard furler on offer. Our previous boat, a 33ft racer/cruiser (1 year old) had a facnor system which was pretty poor. In a years racing the top bearing disintigrated and needed constant attention (all due to the angle of the jib halyard and the lack of substance in the facnor unit). I was fed up of cheap furler units and wanted a bullet proof one!

.......hence the Harken. It has been great. It is very well built and looks like it will take the loads put on it. Our boat has been bought for long distance cruising but has been used twice a week this year for club racing. The furling gear has taken it in its stride. If it stands up to round the cans racing, it will certainly perform well in more sedate cruising.

While racing, we furl the headsail rather than drop it and the harken has been tested to the limit - ie carrying as much headsail as the wind will allow with 10 on the rail - something you dont do cruising.

With only 6 months experience, I cant be certain it will last but I will be surprised if it doesnt last at least 5 years of what we have thrown at it this year. It looks capable of doing a job. Fully recommend getting one (even if it was a pig to fit!!!). Go for it.

Dr Bob
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Just to confuse you, 11 years cruising and 30,000 miles on a Profurl. The bearings are just wearing out now otherwise no probs.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

What's wrong with Rotostay?

Hmmm.... how would you feel about a supplier who ignores your email for supply of a part for 5 weeks and then ignores the timely reminder you send after that for (what's it been now........?) another month?

Rotostay? Not on MY watch! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Profurl every time for my money. It is more 'agricultural' but hurrah for that. It is solid, well built and requires very little maintenance. I fitted mine 12 years ago and have been full-time cruising for the majority of those and it is still going strong. I hose down the drum and bottom fittings whenever I get the chance (once a month maybe) and that's all I've ever needed to do. Take yourself to somewhere like La Coruna where long-distance cruising boats gather and you will think you've gone to a Profurl convention!
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Whatever you buy, just make sure it is not a Furlex 200.

This furler is a complete and utter POS. I have had 2 fail with the same faults in 2 years. Both furlers fitted by pro riggers. The second one by Selden USA's favorite rigger. The first one having to be replaced under guarentee.

Currently I am looking for a new boat. It is one of my criteria that the new one will not have a Selden Furlex, or an allowance will have to be made for its immediate replacement. They are not meant for serious seagoing.

Look at what the Vendee Globe/Around Alone boats use.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Why not speak to Z Spars? Their furler is pretty bullet proof and their factory is only just down the road at Hadleigh Nr Ipswich.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Fitted Profurl about ten years ago and still going strong. They are
bullet proof. IMHO the right choice for long distance cruising where
you have to maintain your own equipment.
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

As per Chris_E, I have also had a profurl for 30,000 and 11 years. Absolutely Excellent kit
 
Re: New headsail furler - \"must be bullet proof\" - Profurl or Harken ?

Consider Sailspar.

Their's is a "there and back" system. Having had a major incident with a fouled up drum and too much sail in too much wind, I've gone for Sailspar;- nothing to get tangled.

Not enough miles to vouch for its longevity.
 
Re: SailSpar

Had problems with our SailSpar due to it coming unfurled in strong winds if BOTH sides of the continuous line are not cleated off.

We intend to fit jam cleats or jammers to cure this problem . . . then we reckon it will be a good system.

Only other criticism of it would be that if the line needs replacing who knows how to do an endless splice?

- Nick
 
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