Hi all, I have a Nacra 5.2 without a furling jib. Because I sail solo most of the time I'd like to be able to furl the jib from time to time. Later on I plan to add a spinnaker, by that time the furler should also come in really handy.

The Harken drum and swivel most recommend are so pricey I could never justify spending that much on my old boat. A second hand unit I was quoted on is even more expensive than a new Ronstan part!

Somebody recommended I get a Ronstan RF 78b and RF76 type of furler, but to me that setup seems a little weak.

Can anyone recommend a particular Ronstan, RWO or Barton (read: budget) setup?

regards,
Dennis

Dennis, send me an email:

velocitytrey (at) gmail.com

You will see the harken furler displayed by a very handsome Infusion sailor on page 146 of the 2008 catalogue!

It is the best furler and the cheapest way of getting one is to find some F18 sailors, they are chucking them away to fit fully battened jibs

i love ronstan products... but i have not seen great results with their little furlers .. they couldn't handle the stress on a few boats i have seen them on..

Trey, I e-mailed you.
VMG, we have some F18 sailors (almost everyone that can still get crew and hasn't already bought an A cat)...
But I'll have to wait until I speak to them personally in order to find out if they are willing to sell me their used furlers.
Andrew, how about a bigger furler from Ronstan then? I'd hate to lose the fore stay! (I had that happen once, no one was hurt, but the dents in the mast and ego will never go away)

I have no data on bigger ronstan furlers... All i know is my friend tried to save money by purchasing the small Ronstan drum on bottom (i have seen them on small jibs like a DART, and work well) and small spinning part for the top (RONSTAN ROLLER FURLING SWIVEL (EYE\EYE)) of the forestay and he hates both parts. his jib wont furl without a ton of pressure and grief.. and wishes he paid the extra money for the Harken SWIVEL HI-LOAD and FURLING DRUM HI-LOAD