[C320-list] Roller Fuller Harken vs Profurl

[bruceheyman at cox.net]

Several years ago our Profurler got really difficult to work with.  Felt like some of the berings broke or became flat spotted.  For just slightly over 100 bucks we were able to buy a new bearing unit.  Was fairly easy to install and what a fantastic difference it made.  The old one had gotten so bad that we often had to use a winch to furl the sail.  
As Ken said the new one has access holes so that you can flush the bearings, nice design improvement.  I was shocked at how little the upgrade cost given how much a new system goes for.  Our guess was that they had a lot of failures and wanted to sell the fix at cost to avoid too much negative press.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Danko <ken320 at sbcglobal.net>

Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:27:02 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Roller Fuller Harken vs Profurl


I moved the block that was closest to the drum (2.5 ft away) to the 
strut on the bow pulpit that is closest to the drum (5 inches away). 
This made a HUGE difference. The other thing that I found is important 
is to keep some tension on the furling line when unfurling the jib. I 
also spray silicone lubricant on the bearings twice a year. The newer 
models have a hole specifically for flushing the drum with fresh water, 
the older ones require that you point a hose up from the bottom. 
Flushing the salt out is important. I never have a jam, unfurling is a 
breeze (no pun intended) and I can reef or furl by myself in 35 knot 
winds with no problem.

Ken Danko
#802, Grace

Chris Burti wrote:
> Schaefer is OEM with Catalina and has been for some time, it is on our 2001.
> If you get one, make sure it is installed by someone who really knows what
> they are doing and is experienced with the unit.
>
> As for me...I really dislike it...hate may not be too strong a word...it is
> difficult to get it to start to unfurl, it is difficult to furl in any wind
> over 5 knots...or anytime the line on the drum gets jammed which is
> often, it is nearly impossible to get the line to feed properly on the drum,
> access to the drum screws for adjustment is poor. I have been trying
> every piece of advice or trick anybody has offered me for seven years to get
> it to work half as good as my old ReefRite with no success.
>
> As I write this, I am wondering why I don't sell it to some sucker on eBay
> with an appropriate disclaimer and just buy another ReefRite. And other than
> inertia...I can't come up with a logical reason. I am sure that I am doing
> something wrong...overlooking something stupidly obvious...nobody could sell
> as many of these units as they have if they all worked as crappy as mine
> does...It  is hugely frustrating...thanks for letting me vent...
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 8:27 AM, <amshd2 at aol.com> wrote:
>
>   
>> Dick
>>
>> ?The OME on my boat is a Hood.? To date none of the riggers I have
>> contacted have recommend a Schaefer.? I will ask .? How does Schaefer
>> compare.
>>
>> Tony
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Richard A. Walker <dickwalker at att.net>
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Sent: Wed, Jul 1, 2009 6:22 pm
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Roller Fuller Harken vs Profurl
>>
>>
>>
>> I would stick with the Schaefer.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> ?
>> Dick and Jauhree Walker
>> 740 Olive Ave.
>> Coronado, CA 92118-2136
>> 619.435.8986
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
>> amshd2 at aol.com
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 1:16 PM
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Subject: [C320-list] Roller Fuller Harken vs Profurl
>>
>>
>> Gang
>>
>> ?I am?about to replace my old Hood Roller Furler on my 94 320 and have it
>> leveled down to 2 models
>>
>> Does anyone have any experance with a Profurl NCI 32 or the Harken Cruising
>> Unit.
>>
>> I have been told that the Harken unit is there entry level furler.
>>
>>
>> Tony?
>>
>> #30 ?
>>
>>
>>     
>
>
>