Curtis, My buddy and I professionally install and repair furlers. We've worked on many brands. IMHO, the best of the lot is Harken. ProFurls are good also.
Yes, you can install it yourself. It's not rocket science. However, I wouldn't recommend it. There are a few things to watch out for that a competent rigger will know. For instance, you need two axes of rotation on each end of the forestay. Chances are your existing rig has it but if it doesn't and you simply replaced what's there, it would be a mistake. Measuring the forestay pin to pin distance is critical. Cutting the extrusion involves a bit of complicated math. While the Harken instructions are good and precise, it's easy to make a mistake. Harken is a great company with excellent customer support. If you decide to do it yourself, they can answer questions. Many riggers can get furlers at a discount which will help offset their labor to install it. I'd get some quotes. You may find the price difference is not that great. The reassurance that it has been installed properly will be worth the extra $$. Also, a competent rigger should inspect your rig while he's aloft. I always do. I check all mast and speader hardware, fasteners, pins, etc. on the way up to drop the forestay. that way, I can fix anything on the second trip up to install the furler. You'll want a new forestay. You'll have to use a rigging shop for that regardless. Again, a rigger may be able to save a bit there also. You'll need to block the mast to the bowstem while the forestay is gone. You'll want to make sure that your rig is raked properly. If not, now is the time to change it when you make the new forestay. I added some rake to Touche's mast a while back by lengthening the forestay. It was easy for me because my buddy and I did it. Just cost the price of the new stay and a couple hours of our time. So, you see installing a forestay, while fairly straightforward, involves more than just following the instructions. As part of the install, I recommend the Harken 7404 stanchion block kit. I upgraded my boat to this system and love it. This is something you can install yourself easily. You can convert your existing sails to tape. Most sail makers charge by the foot of luff. If you convert all your sails, I'd ask for a volume discount. Again, shop around. Any loft can do this. Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA On Tue, Jan 5, 2016 at 8:02 PM, Curtis via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > Dataw island Marina
_______________________________________________ Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
