Roller Reefing System Comparison: Profurl v Harken - Opinions / Facts

[BlowingOldBoots]

My furling system is getting very old, could be over 30 years old. It is an old Furlex system, still working but I fear it failing. For example, I have always been able to haul in by hand in strong winds, but recently, in a strong wind, but with full genoa out, I had to use a winch to roll away.

Has anyone experience of the ProFurl C350 or Harken Ocean units? Any comments they could share on replacement systems, alternatives.

I currently have a twin groove foil but only use one groove and will never race on this boat to a level where twin grooves are required. Any disadvantage in single groove that you can think off?

I briefly thought about going back to hanked on sails, but have dismissed this for practical reasons: new roller reefing genoa, getting older, need to buy a set of head sails and storage of headsails.

Thanks,

Alastair

[Gardenshed]

Ask Alex Spence the rigger (Craobh based)
Selden Furlex also worth considering

[BlowingOldBoots]

Yes, thanks, have done so. That is Alex’s recommendations. I was just checking for others experiences, opinions.

[aquaplane]

The replacement Furlex system on Seminole has worked well for 25 years.

It's dual luff but only ever had one sail.

I don't think that it's unusual to have to winch in a flogging supposedly unloaded sail in a good breeze.

I was cautious at first, "don't winch in a furler it'll damage stuff" sounded like sound advice, until I couldn't furl a flogging sail without the winch.

I ensure my winches are serviced and use them if I have to, not before.

Got to admit that lubricating the hard bits in the drum is as important as the easy bits in the top swivel.

[BlowingOldBoots]

I got the Harken Ocean Unit (single foil) system installed by AS Yacht Services (Alex Spence). It comes with a 7 year warranty from Harken. I used it in anger last week. The system works well and I am pleased with the service from AS Yacht Services and the Harken system. The reefing line is external to the stanchions, rather than internal on the previous system, hence I need to make some minor adjustments to the clutch angle and adjust the furling line length, which is too long as standard. Yet even with a long furling line, with too many wraps on the drum, it still unfurled and furled easily. If this was my previous system, the long line would jam up.

I did have a full sail unfurled in a Force 6(7) and a need to reef and I could not furl by hand. I was a bit freaked out, thinking new system, high probability of failure when new (if its going to fail). I used the winch, easily furled by about a 1/4 then did the rest by hand very easily. I just needed to grow a pair and relax. Also moral of the event was reef early - but I don't really learn from that.

The old system will be serviced and sold onwards.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Duplicate post - quoted instead of edited.