How do you use a prefeeder with CDI furler

normo · Post by **normo** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 3:28 pm

First boat with a furler.

Raising the jib the first time was a slow process. Wasn't much better the second and third time so I bought a prefeeder. We used a headsail prefeeder on a boat equipped with Tuff Luff (no furler) and it worked very well. The prefeeder was attached to a short line tied to the forestay turnbuckle as I recall.

Now the luff of the furler, which is very similar to Tuff Luff, rotates. I'm not quite sure what's the best way to use the prefeeder. Would appreciate comments from those that are satisfied with their method.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 4:47 pm

Im a bit confused Normo ...are you taking the sail off the plastic luff every time you rig??

Most of us leave this all attached I think...

Stephen

normo · Post by **normo** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 6:30 pm

No, I don't plan to remove the sail every time I use the boat. It will be protected by a sailcover.

When I do change the sail I just don't want the hassle we had threading the luff tape into the furling luff on a windy day. I want to be able to do it on the water with only one person on the foredeck.

Sloop John B · Post by **Sloop John B** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 6:32 pm

Gees, what's a Tuff Luff? A drumless furler? I think I'd go hanked in that case.

Edit: okay, you're changing sails. No, that's a real bitch on a pitching deck and a bit of an annoyance at the launch site.

Chip Hindes · Post by **Chip Hindes** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 8:42 pm

Sorry to say, most of us just pick a sail and stick with it. Changing the sail on the furler is a royal PITA and I don't believe something I'd ever want to attempt on the water under any condition other than tied to the dock in dead calm, and it's pretty tough even on the trailer with any kind of wind. I've had my X for four years now, have the 150 genny on the furler and have yet to take the jib out of the bag.

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 3:28 am

I have both jib and Genoa modified for the CDI furler, and I've changed them numerous times on the trailer. It's a job when the wind is up, and I've never done it alone. However, the biggest problem we've had is managing all of the unfurled canvas. Feeding the luff into the foil hasn't seemed too much trouble for us.

Agreeing w/ earlier comments, I'd possibly attempt the change over at a dock, but I'd rather "run what's hung" than change it while afloat.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:21 am

i did it

! several times on the water and even single handed. but only when i had the jib up, the wind died, i was going half or upwind and needed a larger foresail. changing the sail on the foredeck is a little tricky and you have to be careful dot to drop the genoa in the water. in calm seas it helps to open the hatch, store the lowered jib down in the cabin and pull the genoa out of the v-berth for raising. sometimes i do so when setting or lowering the spi. i would not try to bring the genoa down in heavy winds and seas to set the jib while on the water. better to anticipate this on the pier- or to go with a furled genoa if surprised.

a prefeeder could be helpful to feed the sail into the furler's plastic luff. i have one on my mast for the mainsail and it makes a huge difference. where to attach it for the foresail? normally foresail feeders come with a short piece of line. i would attach it on the base of the plastic luff or on the top of the drum. it must not turn with the furler but be inline with the luff's entry. but again, it's only my thought, i have no experience with foresail feeders.

Jack O'Brien · Post by **Jack O'Brien** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:46 am

I changed from jib to genny at anchor in The Marquesas on the way to The Dry Tortugas. Was my second time to lower the jib (had a UV strip added) and the genny had never been out of the bag. Did not get the genny all the way up. The furler foil had been warped, before I bought the boat, in the Florida sun and I straightened it but without noticing distortion of the foil's luff slot which pinched in several places. Also, did not have lubricant with me. So it was tough to raise all the way. I did have crew to help manage the sail and help feed the luff into the foil's slot. Back home I removed the genny, corrected the slot and reinstalled the genny. Don't think I have used the jib since I put the genny on. Have never used the genny except at full deployment, never reefed. This time of year, with stronger winds, it would probably be prudent to reinstall the jib.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:53 am

a lubricant spray like sailkote is almost a must in the plastic luff. just spray it where you can reach, the sail distributes it in the luff. also take care that there is no dust or dirt from the winter storage.

Dimitri-2000X-Tampa · Post by **Dimitri-2000X-Tampa** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 7:00 am

That prefeeder looks like it may be worth the money if it can be used properly on the CDI.

My jib has no UV strip and my genoa does...consequently, the genoa is much harder to hoist than the jib (probably weighs at least twice as much). The jib goes up very easily but the genoa is a bit of a pita.

I also had a kink in the furler when I first got the boat, but now I think its worked its way out for the most part (with mast mostly up and proper support when down). I've never used the lubricant on the headsail, but I have used some on the sail slugs for the main. And talking about sailkote or other specialized lubes, are they any different from plain ole (and much cheaper) silicone lubricant spray? I believe I just used some silicone spray and it worked fine.

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

How do you use a prefeeder with CDI furler

How do you use a prefeeder with CDI furler

Jib Genoa Furler