Roller Furling

  • September 09, 2013 12:08 PM
    Message # 1385062
    Deleted user
    I have been reading existing comments surrounding a quality roller furling unit for WS32. I was hoping to revisit the discussion, and was interested in getting some reviews from owners on brand, quality and ease of installation.  I am planning to replace both head furling unit, and stay sail.  I believe Bud is recommending the Alado Units?  Has anyone installed one, and review of performance and quality?
  • September 09, 2013 2:10 PM
    Reply # 1385222 on 1385062
    Deleted user

    If you stick with the major brands, Alado, Profurl, Harkin etc. you can't go wrong.  Stay away from the lesser brands that aren't really meant for full time cruising.  I tend to forget that not all Westsailors are going cruising, so if your not, then even the less expensive ones will work. 

    I've seen one Alado unit installed on a Westsail.  It's a robust well built unit and slightly less expensive than others.  You can also install them without taking the forestay down, although I don't think that's a big deal. My biggest objection to them is having to tie them off to the pulpit.  I like my foredeck as clear as possible and find even the furling lines a nuisance. It's even more of a problem to use one on the staysail. 

    We have Profurls on the staysail and Jib.  We had a Harkin on our Catalina. We chose Profurl for the Westsail because at the time they were the only ones that could be winched in, although I think that's changed.  Through the years we've taken ours down several times and didn't find droping the stay a problem to do so.

     

    Jim  

      

  • September 10, 2013 7:02 PM
    Reply # 1386174 on 1385062
    Deleted user
    Hi, I have had a Pro Furl for about 10 yrs'. One thing I found out about it (the hard way) was that you can't have a lot of halyard tension when it's set up, in fact you don't need it . The only thing that I can see wrong with the Pro Furl , besides the Lime green is the bearings are sealed greased type. Mine are starting to get a little stiff . I think I saw a post on here about a ceramic bearing re build . Ceramics use no grease . I think If I had it to do all over again I would go with the Schafer unit . Or one that has dry composite  bearings .
  • September 11, 2013 4:37 AM
    Reply # 1386357 on 1385062
    I searched and finally found a Famet furler.  It is of the same general design as the Alado. There are no bearings to fail.  instead of having a swivel at the top and your halyard pulls on the sail and that swivel, there is an integral halyard.  There is compression on the foil as a result of the built in halyard sheaves at the top.

    This means there are no bearings at the bottom.  Mine have delrin washers that are greased slightly.

    Much superior in my opinion.

    Rich
  • September 11, 2013 6:00 AM
    Reply # 1386425 on 1385062
    Deleted user
    Rich,
       The Famet is a great unit.  We had one on our W32 and it preformed flawlessly.
    Mike
  • September 11, 2013 7:37 AM
    Reply # 1386502 on 1385062
     I have never had a problem with it.  It was 15 years old when I installed it 10 years ago and still no problems at all.

    rich


  • September 13, 2013 11:41 AM
    Reply # 1388704 on 1385062
    Deleted user
    Thanks for all the input.  I have contacted FaMet, and am still awaiting a call back.  The WEB page has numerous dead links, and the office line has been disconnected.  I called Ron's cell and have left a msg.  I'll let you all know how it turns out.  It would be disappointing if they have dropped off the radar!  
  • September 14, 2013 6:29 AM
    Reply # 1389150 on 1385062
    Deleted user
    Brett,
         I experienced the dead links and ends also.  Seems that there were (are) a few out there.  But...  If you left a msg he should call you back.  FaMet is not a full time activity for him, but he is quite good about responding.
    Mike
  • September 24, 2013 2:00 PM
    Reply # 1397384 on 1385062
    Deleted user
    A bit of investigation has led me to understand the company is no longer selling furling units.  They will sell parts, but not the furling unit.  The current owner is David Freer (913-757-3167), but he reports he is leaving to cruise in a month, and will not be selling any more of the Famet furling units.  
  • September 27, 2013 7:18 PM
    Reply # 1400106 on 1385062
    I would keep trying to talk to him. I've been hearing the "he's going cruising thing for awhile now".  And I have one of his furlers.  Nice unit.