Roller Furling Installation

[TexasDan40]

I want to install roller furling to my '99 Mac26X.
Any suggestons on make, size, and installation procedures?
thanks,
Tex

[TAW02]

I want to install roller furling to my '99 Mac26X.
Any suggestons on make, size, and installation procedures?
thanks,
Tex

I installed a roller furler on my old Mac25 a few years back. I bought a CDI model roller furler because they seemed to be the most popular. At least they were the most 'out there' or seen roller furler. Pricewise they are the cheaper furler product. Cheap isn't always the best, but I never had a problem with mine.

Then I bought a 26M and had the dealer install a CDI furler.

I guess what I can assure you Tex is this, having a furler is the best move you can make in terms of ease and safety. I had a 'hank-on' headsail and so I know the difference. Furlers rule.

When purchasing a furler, make sure you read up on the type and brand you buy. Make certain you have everything you need before you install it. Know every detail beforehand and you can't go wrong.

Big T

[rwmiller56]

I installed a CDI roller furler on my 2005 I'm really happy with it. It's been totally reliable, and operates very smoothly. If you get the CDI furler, be sure to order the ball bearing upgrade.

[DaveB]

Tex, I would go with the CDI,FF2 for $458 and upgrade your 1/8 inch headstay to 5/32nd and swage fittings. Here is were I buy my rigging from.(Blue water can also set you up)
Make sure you have toggles so ends can move in all direction to prevent fatigue. Also make sure your furler line is 90degrees to your headstay before you mount your deck lead.
The furling kit comes with all instructions and easy to do.
You will need to have a sailmaker do the rope sleave or just buy a new jib 110% sail for around $380 that is cut for a roller furler, I like the 6oz sailcloth . I used the stock turnbuckel with the 5/32 stay.

http://www.riggingonly.com/

I only know this company thru previous rigging needs and they are excellent.
Dave

I want to install roller furling to my '99 Mac26X.
Any suggestons on make, size, and installation procedures?
thanks,
Tex

[skeedaddy]

I can second the comments above...not necessarily on model...but on recommending the CDI Furler.

This is probably the best piece of equiment that came with my old 92 Mac 26 when I bought it. I downloaded a user manual from the website and have used it every single sail.

[TexasDan40]

Thanks for the feedback.
Is the installation difficult? I guess the installations are made "mast down". If I don't upgrade to 5/32" head stay, is there any wire cutting involved?
Thanks again.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Dan - you will have to put in a new forestay to run it through the furler. West Marine can help you with this - it takes about 3 minutes to swage on a new forestay with the right tool (which they have). You need to bring the plastic extrusion to the store - just coil it in a loop about a meter in diameter.

[TAW02]

Thanks for the feedback.
Is the installation difficult? I guess the installations are made "mast down". If I don't upgrade to 5/32" head stay, is there any wire cutting involved?
Thanks again.

Do like skeedaddy suggested and download the CDI/FF2 model manual. Go over it and then go over it a few more times. Yes, the mast will have to come down and the forestay measured and removed if it does not have the termination hardware installed. Sailwarehouse also on the web has info on this. They state the length and price of the forestay for your model boat made particularly for the CDI furler. Very professionally made forestay. Believe I paid close to 80 bucks back in 04 when I bought mine from them.

The forestay is the most important issue here because if it isn't right and it isn't professionally assembled, it may unscrew itself and then the mast will come down on your head and kill you. Keep in mind the constant twisting of the extrusion surrounding the forestay and how that influences the swages and swivels to work on the turnbuckle. Yeah, so it needs to be right.

When assembling and installing the furler, you will be required to measure your extrusion (for your model boat), and cut the extrusion to the proper lenght. THIS is where you must be on you 'game'. Mess up here and :GAME OVER:

Other than that, it is pretty simple.

A man can derive a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from doing things like this for himself. So do it right and enjoy.

Big T

[TexasDan40]

I'm am very grateful for the advice and feedback.
Happy sailing
Tex
><)))*>

[bubba]

Last night I was reading in Cruising World mag where they put a gennaker on a roller furler instead of a jib and it works great for light summer breezes to be able to single hand it. Any one ever tried this ??

[DaveB]

If you buy the fully rigged headstay thru rigger it comes complete with the threaded swag 1/4 inch into your exsisting turnbuckle. costs are well under $100 for complete 5/32 wire with all atachments. All you need to tell them is the length from eye to eye from your exsisting headstay.
Your side stays are 5/32 and your roller furler needs it to not the 1/8 you have.
David

Thanks for the feedback.
Is the installation difficult? I guess the installations are made "mast down". If I don't upgrade to 5/32" head stay, is there any wire cutting involved?
Thanks again.