Which Jib Furl?

[TCpwllheli]

Hello everyone. I have recently become a solo sailor after my partner died suddenly. We have been sailing a Heavrnly Twins together for 18 years and although I feel she is a good safe boat to sail alone I know her jib furl was becoming a two man job. I am currently looking at replacing it with the Harken MKIV unit 0 or the Plastimo 811. Is the difference between the systems worth the extra money? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Boathook]

Ive got a furlex 200s that works well when single handed. I use roller bearing blocks where the turns are 90 degrees and s/s bulls eyes? fairleads to keep the furling line in place.

 

[lustyd]

+1 for furlex roller reefing, just make sure you use the included grease annually to keep it running smoothly.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Ive got a furlex 200s that works well when single handed. I use roller bearing blocks where the turns are 90 degrees and s/s bulls eyes? fairleads to keep the furling line in place.

Thank you. I have roller bearing blocks in place at the angles too so that's good to know. I'll check out the Furlex systems and see if they're suitable for my boat.

 

[Boathook]

Thank you. I have roller bearing blocks in place at the angles too so that's good to know. I'll check out the Furlex systems and see if they're suitable for my boat.

Mines on a 9m catalac so should be fine on yours.

 

[Bobc]

Whatever you get, the one thing you don't want is something that refuses to furl (for whatever reason).

Your other option of course, would be to get a Winchrite handle, and use that to furl with your existing gear.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Thank you. I will investigate whether a winchrite handle is something that would be suitable. I completely agree about being confident in my jib furl sailing alone. It is my main priority.

 

[Tranona]

Plastimo is the budget system, Furlex 100s is mid price and Harken MK IV Unit0 top end. All will work fine on your boat. Furlex is far and away the market leader with a combination of good well proven design, manufacture and after sales service. I have had 2 Furlex, no problems but actually use Harken leads and jammer for the furling line. I have found attention to this side is the key to good operation rather than the furler itself.

 

[pvb]

Harken kit is well engineered but premium priced. I've had Selden Furlex on a number of boats, with no problems at all. As Tranona says, taking care to reduce friction on the furling line is important, whichever brand of furler you choose.

The Harken Mk4 system is aimed at performance cruisers; you may find that the Harken ESP suits your needs at a lower price.

 

[Poignard]

I have a very old Rotostay which operates reliably if given an overhaul every 8-10 years or so. Unfortunately, they stopped manufacturing several years ago.

Last time I was having a new forestay made by a man in Gosport who was still servicing Rotostays I asked him what make he would recommend to replace my Rotostay when it became impossible to get parts for it, and he said Harken.

 

[mikegunn]

Hello everyone. I have recently become a solo sailor after my partner died suddenly. We have been sailing a Heavrnly Twins together for 18 years and although I feel she is a good safe boat to sail alone I know her jib furl was becoming a two man job. I am currently looking at replacing it with the Harken MKIV unit 0 or the Plastimo 811. Is the difference between the systems worth the extra money? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your partner. Fortunately, as no doubt you already knew, the Heavenly Twins is easily handled by a solo sailor.
Which furling system is currently fitted to your boat?
Secondly, do you know why it has become stiff in action.
Mike.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Plastimo is the budget system, Furlex 100s is mid price and Harken MK IV Unit0 top end. All will work fine on your boat. Furlex is far and away the market leader with a combination of good well proven design, manufacture and after sales service. I have had 2 Furlex, no problems but actually use Harken leads and jammer for the furling line. I have found attention to this side is the key to good operation rather than the furler itself.

Thank you. I've been looking at the Furlex 104 system since it was recommended and it does look good for my needs. I am replacing an old Plastimo 609 (I think) and I want something reliable. The info about it being market leader, having good after sales etc is good to know. I will definitely be making sure the kit for the furling line is up to scratch too.

 

[TCpwllheli]

I have a very old Rotostay which operates reliably if given an overhaul every 8-10 years or so. Unfortunately, they stopped manufacturing several years ago.

Last time I was having a new forestay made by a man in Gosport who was still servicing Rotostays I asked him what make he would recommend to replace my Rotostay when it became impossible to get parts for it, and he said Harken.

Thank you. I am having all new rigging as she is due her survey too so now is the time to replace the jib furl if I'm going to do it.

 

[JumbleDuck]

The only furling system I have owned or used is the Sailspar continuous line one, which I would fit without hesitation to any other boat.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Harken kit is well engineered but premium priced. I've had Selden Furlex on a number of boats, with no problems at all. As Tranona says, taking care to reduce friction on the furling line is important, whichever brand of furler you choose.

The Harken Mk4 system is aimed at performance cruisers; you may find that the Harken ESP suits your needs at a lower price.

Thank you. The consensus seems to be the Selden Furlex is the best mid range option which is all I require really along as it's reliable which everybody seems to agree it is. I will be making sure the friction is reduced. It has been an ongoing problem that we had tried to address in the past but it is now more urgent.

 

[TCpwllheli]

The only furling system I have owned or used is the Sailspar continuous line one, which I would fit without hesitation to any other boat.

Thank you. This is a new suggestion, I shall check it out.

 

[WoodyP]

The only furling system I have owned or used is the Sailspar continuous line one, which I would fit without hesitation to any other boat.

Me too. No chance of a foul up with the reefing line.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your partner. Fortunately, as no doubt you already knew, the Heavenly Twins is easily handled by a solo sailor.
Which furling system is currently fitted to your boat?
Secondly, do you know why it has become stiff in action.
Mike.

Thank you. I dug out the instructions for my present jib furl and its a Plastimo - 609 I think. The stiffness has been an ongoing problem with us having tried different blocks and lines to free it and make it easier to furl.

 

[TCpwllheli]

Me too. No chance of a foul up with the reefing line.

Thank you for backing up that comment. Confirmation of info is always good.

 

[lustyd]

Whatever you go for make sure you can either see or easily get to the bearings. The Furlex ones are open so greasing is easy. Once dry the bearings will stick and furling is impossible. I ignored for 5 years on my old boat until one day I had to drop the jib rather than furl! A small amount of grease returned it to working like new in minutes. The roller reefing on the new boat I can’t get to the bearings so no idea what my maintenance plan is yet.