Recommendations for new genoa furler

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Hi all,

I have a 44' AWB (2012 SO439) which has been fitted from new with a Facnor LS180 genoa furler. It is right on the limit for this size of boat and for various reasons I am considering replacing it with a more robust alternative.

I would not go for another Facnor as I want something which is more user servicable (the so-called sealed bearings in Facnor units do fail and are very difficult to maintain). I had an old furlex on my last boat which worked fine.

Looking for suggestions as to the best makes of genoa furler at the moment?
 
Harken.

They have dry/washable ball bearings.
They have a tack swivel so the jib is rolled from some point up the luff, not the tack. Ths seems to give a better shape.

not cheap though!
 
Just fitted a Harken Ocean Mk 4 Unit 2, furling system to replace a +30 year old Furlex system. I did my research and decided that the Harken system was simplest, with a good reputation. I am very pleased with it and have been out in 35 kt winds and had to reef the headsail. Furling was easy using the winch on full sail until the first foot dot was rolled away then by hand to the 3rd dot, beam reach conditions. If I was strong enough, or two of us, it could have been furled by hand all the way, hence the winch required.

As stated, not the lowest cost system on the market but the bearing package sold it to me.
 
RunAgroundHard said:
Just fitted a Harken Ocean Mk 4 Unit 2, furling system to replace a +30 year old Furlex system. I did my research and decided that the Harken system was simplest, with a good reputation. I am very pleased with it and have been out in 35 kt winds and had to reef the headsail. Furling was easy using the winch on full sail until the first foot dot was rolled away then by hand to the 3rd dot, beam reach conditions. If I was strong enough, or two of us, it could have been furled by hand all the way, hence the winch required.

As stated, not the lowest cost system on the market but the bearing package sold it to me.
Click to expand...
Hi - can I ask how much you paid for the Harken unit ?
Did you fit the Mk4 Unit 2 Standard or lower cost Ocean version?
This Mk 4 Unit 2 seems to potentially be about the right size for my boat
 
Last edited:
RunAgroundHard said:
Just fitted a Harken Ocean Mk 4 Unit 2, furling system to replace a +30 year old Furlex system. I did my research and decided that the Harken system was simplest, with a good reputation. I am very pleased with it and have been out in 35 kt winds and had to reef the headsail. Furling was easy using the winch on full sail until the first foot dot was rolled away then by hand to the 3rd dot, beam reach conditions. If I was strong enough, or two of us, it could have been furled by hand all the way, hence the winch required.

As stated, not the lowest cost system on the market but the bearing package sold it to me.
Click to expand...
My very old Rotostay has never given any trouble but they don't make them any more. I once asked someone who worked for the firm that took over what was left of the Rotostay busines which Furler he would recommend if I ever had to scrap mine, and he said Harken.
 
Furlex every time for me. My Type D was last made in the mid 1990s. Very well engineered. Stainless bearings, no sealed system. Can be maintained easily.
The Profurl we also have is ok, but time will come when bearings will be needed and its a sod of a job
 
+1 for Harken. Easy to maintain - just rinse with fresh water and occasionally some liquid soap. My last Harken lasted 30 years and did many miles including to Norway and the Baltic. I got MRS Mast and Rigging at Kip / Largs to do mine but I think you could do it yourself depending on your level of competence!
 
Fitted a Harken Cruising on my last boat (to replace an old Furlex) - never had a problem with it in over 12 years.

Fitted a ProFurl on my current boat 3 years ago. It's been a pleasure as well.
I had initially planned to fit a Harken as well, but I got a too good to be turned down discount on the ProFurl.
Have not regretted it.
 
Have a look at an Alado. Simpler design, very robust, no bearings to fail. Dispatched from Brazil but mine arrived in 10 days and the support (also from Brazil) is excellent. Very easy to fit.
 
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