What to look for in used Furler for CD 28?

[Ken Cave]

On my CD 28, I have a Harken #2 furler that has been on the boat since the late 90s.
And, I have never had a problem with it. The sail that is presently on it is a 154 genoa,
a very large sail, but the Harken handles it well, even when I shorten up the sail due to high
winds.

They are not cheap, but really reliable.

Hope this helps

Ken Cave
CD 28 #227

[tjr818]

We also have a Harken MK II on Slainte. It handles our 140%, but we would not be a be to go with a bigger genoa because the furling drum can only take so much line.
Ken how does that drum work for your 154 ?

[mgphl52]

My vote would be to ProFurl. Very simple, stout and reliable.

[drb9]

You would need the extrusion, but there is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CDI-FURLER- ... ll&vxp=mtr

[gates_cliff]

I've been thinking about getting a furler and a 140 or 150 Genoa, someone suggested that a 140 would more than sufficient. Once I accumulate enough extra boat dollars I'd like to go ahead. Now, here's the question, is this something a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer can do, or is it something best left to a pro?

[Jim Walsh]

I've been thinking about getting a furler and a 140 or 150 Genoa, someone suggested that a 140 would more than sufficient. Once I accumulate enough extra boat dollars I'd like to go ahead. Now, here's the question, is this something a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer can do, or is it something best left to a pro?

I installed a Harken furler which I assembled myself a couple months ago. You can read my posting here http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34052. I would attempt it again in a heartbeat. No big challenge if you follow the directions precisely.

[mgphl52]

I've been thinking about getting a furler and a 140 or 150 Genoa, someone suggested that a 140 would more than sufficient. Once I accumulate enough extra boat dollars I'd like to go ahead. Now, here's the question, is this something a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer can do, or is it something best left to a pro?

I cannot comment on the installation process, but I will suggest going 140% (or even 135%) and make sure the sail has a properly padded luff for when you want to reduce it even smaller. When the wind kicks up, it is great to be able to reduce sail and still have good shape to get the best draw forward instead of leeward.

[Ken Cave]

My Harken !! handles a 154 genoa just fine. I use a heavy duty quarter inch line, and have never had a problem with it.

For those that are thinking about a 140 genoa, please think about a larger one. I had US Sails come out to my boat and
he stated that he could make a 154 that would fit the Harken, but make the boat a lot easier to handle. When I purchased
the boat, it came with a 135 genoa from US Sails. I almost sold the boat as the thing just would not work right. With my
154 genoa, it makes sailing a lot easier, and I rarely put up the mainsail!

Last year, we did over a thousand nautical miles on our Cape Dory, and hopefully, if the weather holds up, we are working
to do the same-Canada here we come!!

Ken Cave
LaConner, WA.
CD 28#227

[mgphl52]

My Harken !! handles a 154 genoa just fine. I use a heavy duty quarter inch line, and have never had a problem with it.

For those that are thinking about a 140 genoa, please think about a larger one. I had US Sails come out to my boat and
he stated that he could make a 154 that would fit the Harken, but make the boat a lot easier to handle. When I purchased
the boat, it came with a 135 genoa from US Sails. I almost sold the boat as the thing just would not work right. With my
154 genoa, it makes sailing a lot easier, and I rarely put up the mainsail!

Well, it all depends on how you want to sail... I prefer a balanced rig with the right amount of sail for the current wind.
Since the CD28 was originally designed (by one of the best!) to have a club-footed, self-tending head sail and a large main, I find it counter productive to oversize the head sail (aka: genoa). We have sailed and raced KAYLA for many years with a full-batten, loose-footed main and a 135% roller head sail. We also have lots of trophies to prove her ability, including 100nm Lorillard-Kent off-shore races in 2002 (1st place) and 2003 (2nd place). And just last weekend we went out with just the main because I had pulled the head sail in preparation for new standing rigging to be installed... with proper trim, she sailed great. YMMV...

[Ken Cave]

Thanks for your comments!
You really need to sail in the northwest-and Canada! Last year, I rarely used my main as the 154 genoa
worked just fine at 4-5 knots. As I am 77 plus, I find it harder to raise the main, but having my genoa on
a Harken furler takes care of the problem!

Heading out and about in about two weeks for another 50 plus day cruise. Boat is loaded, varnish is almost
done, will be changing the oil and transmission fluid next week. Gin and tonics all around as I make ice!!

Ken Cave