Tag: Usage Tips

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How to Set your Internal Halyard Length

CDI-MR2-Parts

One of the main advantages of the CDI Flexible Furler is the internal halyard, From giving you flexibility to add a genoa sleeve or other accessory to be run off your rigs existing halyard, to eliminating the possibility of halyard wrap on your headsail having an internal halyard is a huge advantage.

When your Flexible Furler arrives, the halyard will likely arrive too long.
Do not cut the halyard until the Flexible Furler installation is complete.

After you have your new Flexible Furler installed on your boat, and you are ready to hoist your sail, now is the time to determine the correct length for your halyard.

Using the safety line attached to the sail end of your halyard, pull the halyard end down. Make sure to attach a safety line to the opposite side so that the ferrule end of the halyard can be pulled back to the bottom once the sail is secured.
Some trial and error will be required to get the length just right.
Tie the head of your sail to the halyard, start by estimating how much length you may want to remove from the halyard and secure the head of the sail at that point. Do not cut yet. Hoist the sail, and note how far the head is from the top. Lower the sail, and retie the head to take up that gap.

Repeat this process until the sail sits at the correct position on your forestay. Finish by lowering the sail, cutting the excess off of the halyard line, and melting the end of the line to prevent fraying.


Make sure to contact us if you have any questions! We are always happy to help!
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Trailering your boat with a CDI Flexible Furler Installed

CDI-FurlerForYourBoat

Your new CDI Flexible Furler is a fantastic choice if you find yourself trailering your boat. There are a few things to keep in mind when you do put your boat on a trailer with a CDI Flexible Furler installed.

The first thing you should note is that your forestay, including your assembled CDI Flexible Furler, is longer than your mast. When trailering with your mast lowered, this means that your drum is likely hanging over the end of the mast.
This can cause your luff extrusion to bend, over time this bend will become permanent and you will have to purchase a new luff extrusion.

In order to prevent this you can either strap a board to the bottom end of the mast so it sticks out long enough for the drum to sit on top of, or you can detach the forestay at the top of the mast and line the bottom of the drum up with the bottom of the mast. Since the top of the CDI Flexible Furler is much lighter than the bottom it is easier to support.

The second thing you must take care of is your luff extrusion. Take care to strap the luff extrusion flat to your mast so that it does not bend or twist. We recommend using more straps than may be necessary to be extra sure it does not move and shift.

Once you do get the boat to where it is stored, it is recommended to remove the foil from the mast and lay it down completely flat and out of the elements.

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Accessories and your new CDI Furler

Here at CDIFurlers.com we want to make sure you are equipped with everything you need to have an amazing time sailing.

With your new CDI Furler we have some fantastic accessories that can really enhance your experience. In this article we will discuss some of our top recommendations!

Deck Hardware Kit
Our deck hardware kits include all the hardware you need to install and run your furling line. Our kits include premium quality hardware from Viadana, such as stanchion mountable blocks, single blocks, stainless steel padeyes and our custom stanchion mountable cleat.
2 different kits are available, with different sized furling line depending on your furler model.
Our kits are put together so that they work with a wide variety of boat models, and are completely flexible so that you can set your boat up just how you want it.

Genoa Sleeve
The genoa sleeve is one of our top recommendations. With your new CDI furler, you will be running your headsail off of the internal halyard that comes with the system. This leaves the headsail halyard on your boat completely free. The genoa sleeve can be set up to run on this halyard, which means that you do not need to install sacrificial UV protection on your headsail! The biggest advantage of this is the huge weight savings on your sail, which gives you greatly increased sail performance.


Spinnaker Sock

A spinnaker sock is the perfect tool for managing your spinnaker. With the large size of most spinnakers, it can be a real chore to manage while sailing. The spinnaker sock takes care of this.
With a reinforced plastic ring at the bottom, the spinnaker sock can be lowered over an unruly spinnaker without snagging or getting caught. This will snuff your spinnaker and allow you to pull it in.

 

Spinnaker Tacker

The spinnaker tacker works to keep your spinnaker close to the centerline of your boat. It does this by sliding overtop of your furled headsail allowing you to adjust the tacker along your downhaul and tack line as you need.
The tacker will also allow you to fly your symmetrical spinnaker similar to an asymmetrical spinnaker, running without a spinnaker pole.

 

Lazy Cradle

The lazy cradle is a fantastic sail management and storage tool. This allows you to easily lower the halyard and allow the sail to flake between your lazy jacks. There is a high quality YKK zipper running up the length of the bag so it can be closed for long term storage, keeping your mainsail safe from the elements.

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Which Bearing option should I choose?

CDI Flexible Furler FF4 Installed on Boat

Which Bearing option should i choose?

For the CDI FF1, FF2, FF4, and FF6 you have the option of upgrading to Torlon Ball Bearings. There are many reasons you could want to go with the ball bearings, let’s explore those!

Smoother, easier furling

One of the main advantages of upgrading is that it provides a smoother and easier furling experience. The ball bearings roll smoothly and reduce friction, which means you’ll require less effort to furl your sail, making the process much more comfortable and efficient.

Less stress on your furler and rig

The upgrade to ball bearings means there’s less stress on your furler and rig. The bearings reduce the load and tension on the furling drum, making it easier for the furling line to move smoothly. As a result, the system experiences less wear and tear over time, which means it will last longer and require fewer repairs.

Much easier operation under load

The upgraded ball bearings make for much easier operation under load. When you’re under sail and require furling or reefing, the furling line experiences high tension, which can make it difficult to furl or unfurl your sail. With the ball bearings, the furling drum turns smoothly, and the furling line moves with less resistance, making it easier to furl or reef even under heavy loads.

We highly recommend that any client who finds themselves sailing in high wind situations upgrades to the ball bearings. If you find yourself in an emergency situation needing to reef or even fully pull in your sail, the ball bearings will help make that smooth and safe!

The CDI Ball Bearing is incredibly easy to clean and maintain. There is absolutely no lubricants required! We simply recommend rinsing the bearing with fresh water at the end of your sailing season.

 

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Using a Genoa Sleeve with your CDI Furler

CDI-FlexibleFurler-FF2-installed-on-boat

When would I use a Genoa Sleeve with my CDI Furler?

Whether you have converted your hank on headsail to a furling headsail and want to save the weight addition of the UV, or you need a storage solution for your new race sails, we have a solution for you!
A huge advantage of your new CDI Flexible Furler is the internal halyard. Not only does this eliminate the possibility of halyard wrap, it also frees up your rig’s existing halyard for a genoa sleeve!

Benefits of Using a Genoa Sleeve with a CDI Flexible Furler

There are a few main benefits to using a genoa sleeve with your CDI Furler.

1) Increased Sail Performance

One huge advantage of using a genoa sleeve with your CDI Furler, is
that you can forgo the sacrificial UV protection on the sail. The great
thing about this is you save a ton of weight on the sail! This will
allow your sail designer to maximize the performance of the sail.

2) Sail Protection and Longevity
Keeping your sail completely protected from UV rays while not in use is going to greatly increase the lifespan of your sail!

The genoa sleeve will also keep the sail safe and protected while furled
and not sailing. Our genoa sleeves come equipped with a lashing system
that will protect it from being damaged or blown open in high wind
conditions.

In Summary

Using a Genoa sleeve with a CDI furler can make your sailing experience more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. The sleeve helps to protect the sail from the elements, reduce wear and tear, and maintain the sail’s performance long term by protecting the sail from damaging UV rays. Installing a Genoa sleeve is a simple process that can be done by anyone, and it is a perfect fit for your CDI furler! If you’re looking for a way to enhance your sailing experience, consider using a Genoa sleeve with a CDI furler.

 

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Do I need a new Mainsail when upgrading to a Mainsail Reefing System?

Do i need a new mainsail when upgrading to a mainsail reefing system?

Introduction:

Sailing enthusiasts always strive to improve their sailing experience, and one way to achieve this is by upgrading their sail management system. If you’re considering moving to a Mainsail Reefing System, you may be wondering, “Why do you need a new mainsail when moving to the Mainsail Reefing System?” In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why upgrading to this system requires a new mainsail, and how it can enhance your sailing experience.

What is a Mainsail Reefing System?

Before delving into the reasons for needing a new mainsail when moving to a Mainsail Reefing System, let’s first understand what it is. A Mainsail Reefing System is a type of sail control mechanism that allows the mainsail to be reefed or furled. This innovative system enables sailors to adjust the sail area quickly and efficiently, all without leaving the cockpit. Making it easier and safer to manage your sail.

Why do you need a new mainsail when moving to the Mainsail Reefing System?

Here are some reasons why:

  1. Size and shape: Mainsails designed for traditional mast and boom setups have a different size and shape than those designed for Mainsail Reefing Systems. A mainsail designed for a mainsail reefing system must have less roach, and must be flatter than a conventional main.
  2. Material: Mainsail Reefing Systems use a specific type of material that can withstand the stress and strain of reefing and furling. These materials are more durable than traditional mainsail materials, making them an essential part of the system.
  3. Design: The design of the mainsail is crucial to the system’s efficiency and performance. Mainsails for reefing systems are designed to be easily reefed and unfurled, ensuring that the sail’s shape and performance remain optimal.

Benefits of the Mainsail Reefing System

Now that we’ve covered why you need a new mainsail when moving to the Mainsail Reefing System, let’s explore the benefits of this innovative system:

  1. Easy handling: The Mainsail Reefing System allows sailors to adjust the sail area quickly and efficiently, making it easy to handle the sail and adjust to changing wind conditions without having to leave the cockpit.
  2. Enhanced safety: Reefing and furling the sail can be dangerous, especially in high winds. The Mainsail Reefing System makes this task more manageable and safer, reducing the risk of accidents.

Considerations When Upgrading to a Mainsail Reefing System

If you’re considering upgrading to a Mainsail Reefing System, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Cost: Upgrading to a Mainsail Reefing System can be expensive, as it requires purchasing a new mainsail and the system itself. However, the benefits of the system can outweigh the initial investment.
  2. Maintenance: Unlike some mainsail reefing systems and furlers, the CDI MR2 and MR4/6 requires very little maintenance! We recommend rinsing the spool and bearing out with fresh water once or twice a season.
  3. Installation: Installing a Mainsail Reefing System can be done as a DIY project! We recommend having 1-2 people to help.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use my current mainsail with a Mainsail Reefing System?
A1. No you will need a specifically designed mainsail to work with your Mainsail Reefing System
Q2. Can I install a Mainsail Reefing System on any sailboat?
A2. Compatibility of the Mainsail Reefing System will depend on the sailboats mast and boom design. Please check out Mainsail Reefing System product pages for more information on boat compatibility. Please contact us if you have any questions!
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Q3. Do I need a Mainsail Reefing System if I sail in calm waters?
A3. A Mainsail Reefing System can improve your sailing experience in any sailing conditions, as it allows you to adjust the sail's shape and size quickly and effeciently.
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Conclusion:

Upgrading to a Mainsail Reefing System can enhance your sailing experience by improving the safety, and ease of handling of your mainsail. However, it’s essential to understand that this system requires a new mainsail designed specifically for the system’s unique features. When considering this upgrade, it’s crucial to keep in mind the benefits, and considerations to make an informed decision.

Please see our video below to see Darryl discussing our Mainsail Reefing Systems with Jeremy Roszmann, an expert sail designer who has designed thousands of sails throughout his career.