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Harken & Pro Furl both make sturdy units that can be used strictly as roller furlers or easily converted to a racing foil (remove the drum). The foil shape (oval as opposed to round) allows cleaner air flow over the head sail which helps pointing as well as speed. You ask why a cruiser might need to point a little higher? Picture yourself trying to sail off a lee shore in heavy weather. Every little bit helps. Besides, you bought a sail boat, not a power boat. Right? Why hamper your sailing performance?
Hood & Schaefer both make good units, also. My only complaint is the shape of the foil.
I have a Harken furler on my 1988 E34. It's still working fine after 15 years of service. All that's required is annual lubing of the bearings w/McLube after you flush them with clean water. Plus, Harken has been very helpful with answering questions and providing parts.
I'm sure other's will have different opinion's, this is my $.02 worth.
Have fun & sail fast.
Bud E34 "Escapade"
Hood & Schaefer both make good units, also. My only complaint is the shape of the foil.
I have a Harken furler on my 1988 E34. It's still working fine after 15 years of service. All that's required is annual lubing of the bearings w/McLube after you flush them with clean water. Plus, Harken has been very helpful with answering questions and providing parts.
I'm sure other's will have different opinion's, this is my $.02 worth.
Have fun & sail fast.
Bud E34 "Escapade"
Joe Benedict
Member II
Harken Furler
I have an Ericson 29 with a Harken Roller Furler installed. Unfortunately, I bought the boat in late September so I haven't even sailed it. Some modification to the anchor rollers was necesary to install it. Basically, the rollers were extended out on to a plank (sprit). The sail is made by Doyle foir the furler. The boat is currently in Crowley's Yacht Yard in Chicago.
I have an Ericson 29 with a Harken Roller Furler installed. Unfortunately, I bought the boat in late September so I haven't even sailed it. Some modification to the anchor rollers was necesary to install it. Basically, the rollers were extended out on to a plank (sprit). The sail is made by Doyle foir the furler. The boat is currently in Crowley's Yacht Yard in Chicago.
furling
Harken, Profurl, and Furlex are all high quality and well-supported.
The CDI is better suited to smaller boats-but you might get away with it.
Since you mentioned Crowley's yard, Dan Knight (Crowleys' rigger) has installed all of these-tell him you are in touch with me and we can get you a great price on the system and new sail or conversion!
Harken, Profurl, and Furlex are all high quality and well-supported.
The CDI is better suited to smaller boats-but you might get away with it.
Since you mentioned Crowley's yard, Dan Knight (Crowleys' rigger) has installed all of these-tell him you are in touch with me and we can get you a great price on the system and new sail or conversion!