Installing Roller Furling on CD 25

[cpurdum]

I'm currently looking into purchasing a new roller furling unit and 150% furling genoa for my CD 25. I've gotten a good price for a Hood Seaflex furling system and sail. I'd like to install the furling unit myself and do it without taking down the mast, but I'm not sure what I'm getting myself into.

I'm interested in opinions on the Hood Seaflex furling system. And I'd be interested if anyone has had experience they can share with installing a roller furling system with the mast up.

I've been told by one source that I would not have to drop the mast or go up it, but that it's not as easy as when dropping the mast.

Thanks in advance for your most appreciated input.

[Harry Green]

I purchased a CD25D last year with roller furling. The boat came with an additional forestay. I was told that the original stay had to replaced but was never told why. My mast is being stepped within the next week. I'll ask my yard guys what they know and advise you of their comments. My system is an older Furlex.

[tartansailor]

cpurdum,

The assembly needed is well described in Bruce Bingham's "The Sailors Sketchbook" It needs to be modified for lowering your mast to the stern, instead of toward the bow.

The first time I lowered mine, was solo, and I was quite apprehensive to say the least. Now it is as routine as can be.
If you make the assembly as described correctly, it is really error proof.
The hard part is the associated needless anxiety.

Dick