Reefing/furler system for 1977 CD Typhoon Weekender

[Sea Hunt]

I am considering the possibility of installing a reefing/furler on the 1977 CD Typhoon Weekender I recently purchased.

I have read all of the posts over the past 3-4 years about which furling system is best, and whether to install one or not.

It seems to be fairly divided on both issues. Some like the CDI FF1 or FF2. Others like the Harken 00Al. The CDI systems are $400 cheaper than the Harkens. CDIs about $800. Harkens about $1,200.

I cannot really afford either and would have to dip into my retirement fund to pay for either. Installing one would be done as a safety issue primarily. Keeping me off the foredeck while single handing is probably a good thing.

I have talked with several very knowledgeable sailors, riggers, etc. in South Florida. They are uniformly opposed to CDI. The rigger I intend to use (he is at the top of everyone's list of riggers to pick) was polite but said simply "I do not like the CDI system. I recommend Harken or Schaefer". The sail maker I would hire to modify/recut the 150 Genoa said "I will not work on a sailboat that has a CDI system". She has been in business almost 30 years and really knows her stuff. Several sailors I know from walking the docks also said stay away from CDI systems.

So, does the board have current updated thoughts on reefing/furlers systems

I am seriously considering the suggestion of several to not install a reefing/furler at all and just install a downhaul line. I will talk with the rigger about this next week. However, when doused, it still leaves a large head sail flopping around all over the forward deck area. This seems less than "seaman-like" and potentially a hazard if it goes overboard and fills with sea water.

I appreciate all thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc.

[Cathy Monaghan]

The CDI system should be fine for a Typhoon.

[wingreen]

Although I have not yet installed mine, I am convinced it is the way to go. Yes, your headsail will get wet and flap a little when doused, but since it is still hanked to the forestay it will not fill up w/ water as you think. Finish dousing by evenly tightening up both jib sheets to center and keep the foot of the sail on deck. Whenever you have a minute you can tie it all up to keep it from flapping in the breeze.

[boom2it]

Not sure which Tiffany's store you are shopping at for an $800 CDI RF system, click the link below, this is where I will be buying mine. The CDI FF1 is more than enough for a Typhoon, and will perform in coastal FLA waters, just as well as it does on the Sound.
CDI FF1

[Ron Churgin]

I have a CDI furler on my CD 27 and have furled with it up to 20 knot winds with no problem. It is a simple foolproof system and has always worked reliably for me. I don't even have the one with the ball bearings.

I would be interested in the reason these riggers have such a bad opinion.

[shavdog]

Congratulations on your new purchase seahunt..I own the typhoon in the sandbox area..theres a picture...just fyi...I have the cdi furler system on my 12000 pound 34 hunter for the past 10 yrs and its never failed me...the only upgrade to it was a better bearing but I think they come standard with this now...I would not be afraid of this furler...craig

[Neil Gordon]

My CDI furler has been flawless for about a decade. I'd ask the rigger what the objection is, then see if it applies to your situation.

[Sea Owl]

Sea Hunt:

I have hank on sails for my jib. With a down haul, you really don't need to go forward while 'under way', assuming you choose the right sail at the dock. Like reefing, attaching a hank on is easiest at the dock....

...recommend you sail with what you have before spending a lot of money on something you may find you don't really need....

Don't forget too, that it's not just buying the furler - you have to get a sail fixed to work on it, which means paying to have one you own now altered, or buying a new/used sail....

What I do to avoid going all the way forward is pick my jib, put it on at the dock, leave it 'down' and secured with some line so it doesn't blow away (no down haul last year). With a down haul, use it to hold the luff of the sail compressed. Use your sheets (as discussed elsewhere) to tension the foot of the sail, and that should keep things secure enough for you perhaps put a temporary sail tie around it at the mast so it doesn't billow and flap a lot.

If faced with a need to change the jib, I go find a sheltered water so I am going all the way forward in relatively flat water. All this pre-supposes you are by yourself. If you have crew, send them forward with a lifejacket, and tell them don't fall off!!



All that aside, I have been told by many that the CDI systems work fine on a small boat. Again though, since you have hank ons in hand, and are on a budget (like me!) I suggest making haste slowly....

[Dick Villamil]

I also recommend that you sail the boat for a season before deciding on a furler. On my Ty I have a CDI FF1 with a 130 genny. I absolutely love it because if you furl it and sail back to the mooring or dock under the main and then discover you still need some headsail all you need to do is unfurl. This unit works flawlessly - get the one with the bearings and a slightly smaller furling line so it all fits on the drum. I got mine from Rigging Only - a great place to deal with and the price was right. Just be aware that as you furl the genny you will need to move the jib car foreard for best performance. If all you have is a working jib - forget the furler and install a tiedown line. I ordered a new headstay with the furler and saved the old one in case I wanted to sail in haavier air during the fall - still haven't switched yet but the option is always there. The jib still has hanks in case I want to do it in the future.

[Dick Barthel]

Sea Hunt,

The best advice I got my first year of ownership was sail her for a year before making any changes. Admittedly there is a initial urge to do things...resist. Instead sail and get to know your boat. Isn't it logical to try hank ons before concluding you don't want them!

I'm sure you'll do fine for your first year without a furler. A downhaul will get the sail down (which is really the hard part) and tightening the sheet will keep her on the deck. Then with little or no way you can go forward and throw a quick tie around the sail.

Cost seems to be an issue so it would seem to be a no brainer. You will have to modify your sail at the least and the cost of that will have you deciding whether you should just go ahead and replace the sail. In any event, a modified hank on genny will never perform as well as a sail cut for the purpose to include partial furling.

I would consider sailing with hank ons and changing head sails for conditions until you can afford the furler and a new sail. The trick is to be cautious. Another idea is to just sail with your working jib until your skill and confidence improves. If its blowing use your storm jib! And don't hesitate to reef the main. In a short while you'll move on and you'll be flying full canvas with the rail buried!

You'll be up to Neil is total posts before long. I'm pulling for you.

Dick

[Russell]

The rigger is recommending schaefer or harken because thats what he sells. He isnt going to recommend a system he doesnt sell. Both those furlers are top notch, but even their smallest models are way overkill for a typhoon IMO and a waste of money.

A lot of sail makers also sell furlers, does yours? If so, thats why she is saying that.

I would not follow the advice of either of these people.

Now I dont know the CDI system well, but enough people on this board have said great things about them on their smaller CDs. Thats advice I would follow.

I would also follow the advice of sticking with hank on at first. You will likely find its easier to deal with then you think it is, and end up saving yourself a lot of money. There is nothing unsafe about hankon foresails and I would suggest that you being a beginner that you are better off with hanks then a furler.

[rtbates]

I've had both, a hanked on with a downhaul on my SJ21 and the roller reefer/furler currently on Seraph, and for me it's a no brainer. The roller system wins by a long shot. ESPECIALLY the ability to reef as opposed to just furling. With a double reefed main and the 130 headsail reefed to about 90% Seraph will definetly go to windward. I don't believe the CDI can reef, so I'd be inclined to go with the Harken. That's what's on Seraph and everyone who furls the headsail for the first time in high winds comments on how easy it rolls in the sail. That's the conditions that seperates a good system from a so so system. And that's when you need it to perform the most..

[Cathy Monaghan]

I agree with boom2it. The CDI system for a Typhoon would be alot less than $800. Did you tell him the size of your boat?

Anyway, here are some good online store to purchase furling gear:

• http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/me ... de=FUR1820
  
  http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/me ... de=FUR2026
  
  http://www.cruisingdirect.com/CDIRollerFurlers.htm
  
  http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/SoftCar ... ?E+scstore
  
  http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail-c ... =Cape+Dory
  
  http://baconsails.com/ships_store/index.php?cPath=427

The forestay length of the Typhoon Daysailer is only 23' 6". For the Weekender it's 20'8".


Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

[D Rush]

The best advice I got my first year of ownership was sail her for a year before making any changes. Admittedly there is a initial urge to do things...resist. Instead sail and get to know your boat. Isn't it logical to try hank ons before concluding you don't want them!

I'll have to agree with Dick Barthel's "sail her for a year before making any changes" advice.

Dick: thanks for my daily "Stop & Think" reminder.

This is my first year of ownership and I have battled the desire to "upgrade" things before I've even sailed the boat.

I have a "tight" (tiny, small, controlled and monitored by my spouse, the "Secretary of the Navy") sailboat budget. I'm attempting to spend budget moneys on functional items and "must have" items (safety) only for the first year.

My first impulses are to buy, replace, and enhance but with simple reminders to stop, step back and think about whether it is absolutely needed vs wanted or it would be nice to have.

For me I have to include the item or task in my project plan and prioritize the item or task. After a real review of the item or task the true priority get determined.

[SeaBelle]

I have hank-on but happen to know that CDI does reef. Also, I look at reefing the main before the jib. You can do a lot of sailing with a working jib and 1 set of reef points in the main.

I expect your Ty will stay home in 30kn winds.