Selden or Harken

[matt1]

I'm thinking of buying either Selden or Harken furling gear for 31' boat. Both cost about the same. Selden (I think!) has stainless bearings that require annual greasing (no big deal) whereas I think Harken use Torlon. Anyone used either - what do you think?

 

[A_7]

Not much help but we recently fitted Profurl gear to our 31' boat and it has been very good.

 

[sailorman]

fit any as long as its HARKEN imho
i had a new HARKEN system fitted 6 seasons ago its first class warrenty is 7 yrs
just make sure its assembled as HARKEN instructions

 

[Gin]

No experience of Harken furling gear for a yacht(see below) but have used their kit extensively elsewhere, turning blocks, travellers, pulley systems and in fact small furling gear on a keel boat, all of which I considered absoluteley top rate.

As to Selden- I can speak for that -and unless you employ a professional rigger who you can trust to do a proper job all I can say is that although the kit is on a par with Harken the actual measuring and installation is NOT user friendly, it is highly intolerant of even minor measurement errors of a few mms. and personally I am suspicious of one or more of the fixed measurement allowances built in to their two page calculation tables!!

Am I pleased with the Selden ?= Yes.
Would I fit another ?= NO WAY

 

[mikebees]

I should go for Harken.
I have heard reports that Selden have been compromising on quality so that prices can be cut to compete as OEM suppliers in the mass produced yacht market.

 

[michael_w]

Whatever system you buy, just make sure it isn't made by Selden. Complete POS, I went through 2 complete units in two years. Both had the same fundamental design flaws.

Not fun when the system jams 1,500 miles offshore. PM me for the full chapter and verse!

 

[john_morris_uk]

I would be interested to hear why Furlex isn't on your list? When we looked at the range of furling gears when we had to replace an old Rotostay, the conclusion was that many of the modern gears are pretty good. Furlex is well made, and I like the way it gives a roll of the luff before starting to roll the whole sail away. We also chose Furlex because its got a pretty good world wide coverage of agents.

Having said that, Harken gear has always been good when we've used it, so pay your money and take your choice?

 

[Swagman]

We've got Harken on current yacht and had Harken also on previous seven year old Grand Soleil - no problems experienced.
JOHN

 

[twisterkai]

We fitted Furlex a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it. As to annual greasing etc, yes, but it's hardly difficult and also has the benefit of ensuring you inspect it thoroughly each season. It has a 5 year warranty which, according to a rigger friend who is not a Selden agent, is excellent - ie they don't try to riggle out.