Thanks much to those who responded to my earlier post regarding winch configuration as well my request for comments on Schaefer roller furling systems. I post below, for the benefit and potential comment of the collective, my rigger's reasons for recommending the Schaefer over other alternatives (profurl, furlex, harken). Seems to make sense to me . . . but maybe am I missing something?
_______________________
"All systems are good. Schaefer just happens to be my personal preference. Basically I look at the choice of roller furlers as a choice of bearing design; 1 kind has torlon ball bearings, the other steel. The steel
bearings obviously require grease and lubrication. Torlon does not. Therefore the torlon systems are truly maintenance free. This separation brings me to the choice between Harken and Schaefer, and rules out Profurl,
and Furlex. Of those two, I prefer the Schaefer, and for these reasons;
* Round extrusion shape... long ago we learned nothing rolls as easily as
the wheel.
* Wall thickness. The actual wall thickness of the sch is just a bit
heavier than the Harken, thus giving a more sturdy system.
* Torque links; The Schaefer incorporate a synthetic liner at the torque
links, to keep the wire headstay from chaffing inside the extrusions.
* Drum construction. Schaefer's construction is all Stainless steel, and
anodized alum. Harken is plastic.
* Adjustability. Schaefer incorporates a conventional turnbuckle under the
drum, Harken is proprietary integrated turnbuckle that is part of the drum.
Profurl has a life long bearing warranty, and is exceptional in honoring it! However they do not include the labor to remove the system and replace the
damaged bearings. Furlex, has steel bearings too Stainless even where Profurls are carbon and lip sealed. Difference is Furlex are open bearings. So I have seen the grease used to pack the bearings become filled w/ debris,or even come so hot, on summer days, ooze from the drum or halyard swivel.
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Roller Furler Choice
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Kevin LeMans
Re: Roller Furler Choice
Brett,
I installed a Schaffer 2100 furler on my CD30 last year when I purchased new headsails from Hood. My sailmaker indicated that he had a slight bias for Furlex, but felt that the Schaffer equipment was sound as well.
The 2100 series is admittedly oversized for the CD30. My dock neighbor has a 34 ft. Pearson with the 1100 series gear which he seems satisfied with. My strategy is that the oversize more than compensates for any difference in bearing construction.
The finish and materials on the Schaffer are to me superior to all the other gear I have seen. The furling action is extremely smooth, even when furling with the sail under load.
Last, no maintenance bearings are a good thing.
Good Luck,
Kevin LeMans
CD30 Raconteur
lemans@gte.net
I installed a Schaffer 2100 furler on my CD30 last year when I purchased new headsails from Hood. My sailmaker indicated that he had a slight bias for Furlex, but felt that the Schaffer equipment was sound as well.
The 2100 series is admittedly oversized for the CD30. My dock neighbor has a 34 ft. Pearson with the 1100 series gear which he seems satisfied with. My strategy is that the oversize more than compensates for any difference in bearing construction.
The finish and materials on the Schaffer are to me superior to all the other gear I have seen. The furling action is extremely smooth, even when furling with the sail under load.
Last, no maintenance bearings are a good thing.
Good Luck,
Kevin LeMans
CD30 Raconteur
Brett Miller wrote: Thanks much to those who responded to my earlier post regarding winch configuration as well my request for comments on Schaefer roller furling systems. I post below, for the benefit and potential comment of the collective, my rigger's reasons for recommending the Schaefer over other alternatives (profurl, furlex, harken). Seems to make sense to me . . . but maybe am I missing something?
_______________________
"All systems are good. Schaefer just happens to be my personal preference. Basically I look at the choice of roller furlers as a choice of bearing design; 1 kind has torlon ball bearings, the other steel. The steel
bearings obviously require grease and lubrication. Torlon does not. Therefore the torlon systems are truly maintenance free. This separation brings me to the choice between Harken and Schaefer, and rules out Profurl,
and Furlex. Of those two, I prefer the Schaefer, and for these reasons;
* Round extrusion shape... long ago we learned nothing rolls as easily as
the wheel.
* Wall thickness. The actual wall thickness of the sch is just a bit
heavier than the Harken, thus giving a more sturdy system.
* Torque links; The Schaefer incorporate a synthetic liner at the torque
links, to keep the wire headstay from chaffing inside the extrusions.
* Drum construction. Schaefer's construction is all Stainless steel, and
anodized alum. Harken is plastic.
* Adjustability. Schaefer incorporates a conventional turnbuckle under the
drum, Harken is proprietary integrated turnbuckle that is part of the drum.
Profurl has a life long bearing warranty, and is exceptional in honoring it! However they do not include the labor to remove the system and replace the
damaged bearings. Furlex, has steel bearings too Stainless even where Profurls are carbon and lip sealed. Difference is Furlex are open bearings. So I have seen the grease used to pack the bearings become filled w/ debris,or even come so hot, on summer days, ooze from the drum or halyard swivel.
_________________________
lemans@gte.net