Roller furling updated

[Jim Walsh]

After as long as 33 years in use (can't be certain exactly when the PO added the unit) my Hood Sea Furl was showing its age. It had always performed its duty but increasingly only begrudgingly.
Having installed a Harken ESP for my staysail two years ago I was certain that it would fit the bill when updating my headsail unit.
My only advice is to read all the installation instructions before beginning the project so the build process is somewhat familiar on the day you get started. There are lots of small pieces to be fitted so it is best if the winds are reasonably light. Only small hand tools are required.....and lots of patience.

[John Stone]

Smart to stay ahead of potential issues on a furler.

Other than you have a harken ESP already on your staysail, why did you pick that model for your headsail? What is it about the Harken ESP that made you choose it over a Pro-Furl or some other furler?

[Jim Walsh]

I had a Harken Mk 2 (?) installed on my Ericson back in 78. It worked perfectly for the 18 years I had that boat. I was very impressed. The ESP unit on my staysail has performed flawlessly.
I don't need a double luff groove. The ESP has a single luff groove and a round foil which results in an improved sail shape when reefed. I'll give it a workout in a few weeks and test my assembly skills.

[Paul D.]

I'll vouch for the Harken too. I installed a MkIII 1.5 unit when we purchased in 2002 as the old furler was extremely sunbaked and, I thought I could not trust it to last a season. This thing has furled big heavy gennys in 50 kts. As long as you are mindful of the halyard tension, not too tight, it works very well. Color me impressed; they make good stuff.