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Old 03-01-2013, 06:43   #1
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Reefit Furlers

Does anyone have an opinion on Reefit Headsail furlers made by Almasts in Tasmania?
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Old 08-01-2013, 17:15   #2
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Re: Reefit Furlers

One of our customers in Oz had one installed before we built a sail for the boat. From everything we read and heard, it sounded like an impressive piece of kit. There were some requirements in the sailmakers instructions that were different than Harken, Profurl, and Schaefer but it was easy to comply with. Are you thinking about buying one of their units? I'd love to see one in person.
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Old 08-01-2013, 20:57   #3
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Thanks for the reply. Yes, am waiting to hear from them for a price however they do look good on paper and I live in Tasmania and like to buy locally. The furlex on my 25 year old Lidgard 48 is past repair.
Thanks
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Old 08-01-2013, 21:12   #4
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Re: Reefit Furlers

G'Day Windborne,

I had a quick google search for Almast and drew a blank. Do you have a reference link perchance? Not familiar with the Reefit and am always interested in new boat stuff.

And where do you have your Lidgard? We sailed south in company with Limelight which is a Lidgard 47, and a really beautiful modern yacht she is!

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 08-01-2013, 22:43   #5
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Hi Jim,
Windborne is moored just south of you at Port Cygnet. She is built by John Sayer too. I recently bought her in Brisbane and arrived in Cygnet about 6 weeks ago. Am currently at work bobbing around in the Timor Sea. Will swing off in 2 weeks and catch up then if you are still around. Almasts are in Launceston and the website is www.almasts.com.au/
Ross Berkman
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Old 09-01-2013, 00:17   #6
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Re: Reefit Furlers

'Reef-rite' made in NZ might be worth a look. It is what I would buy next time around,
<www.reefrite.co.nz>
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Old 09-01-2013, 04:12   #7
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Thanks Jim,
They do look like a good sytem too. Difficult choice.
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Old 09-01-2013, 04:17   #8
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Sorry, Thanks Steve
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Old 09-01-2013, 13:13   #9
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Re: Reefit Furlers

One of the advantages of the Reef-Rite system is the ability to lock / release the drum from the cockpit and also to be able to load the sail onto the foil using the "loader". The sail uses foil slugs rather than a luff rope, this allows the sail to fold up rather like they used to when using sail hanks. Much much easier to fit / remove the sail from the foil.
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Old 09-01-2013, 14:30   #10
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Re: Reefit Furlers

We've been using the Reefurl made in Qld for the last 20,000 miles. Seems a good, simple piece of gear.
Cheers from Kettering,
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Old 09-01-2013, 14:31   #11
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pope View Post
One of the advantages of the Reef-Rite system is the ability to lock / release the drum from the cockpit and also to be able to load the sail onto the foil using the "loader". The sail uses foil slugs rather than a luff rope, this allows the sail to fold up rather like they used to when using sail hanks. Much much easier to fit / remove the sail from the foil.
We had one of these on our previous boat. A really great bit of kit IMO! BEsides the ratcheting lock for the drum, the thing is truly massively strong with bulletproof joiners between foil sections (no grub screws involved, either). Bob Graham (the vendor/engineer) chose to use standard automotive ball bearings and seals in both upper and lower units. They have more unloaded friction than the open torlon ball races used by many manufacturers, but once loaded the differences diminish... and one can replace the bearings and seals in any country with auto parts stores, and for less than a hundred bucks for the lot. Try that with Harken!!!

We lost that furler when we were dismasted, and by the time we got around to reordering the Reef Rite had become very expensive (in USD), so couldn't afford to replace it in kind. The Schaffer unit we replaced it with was OK, but didn't have the feeling of indestructibility that we had become used to, nor the drum locking rachet and we missed both features.

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 09-01-2013, 17:40   #12
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Re: Reefit Furlers

For a couple of relatively small countries, Australia and New Zealand really impress me with the quality of their gear. The Reef-Rite appears quite well engineered as well. I'm looking forward to spending some time in that part of the world.
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Old 09-01-2013, 18:00   #13
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Re: Reefit Furlers

I have a Reefit on our Adams 12, which is at Kettering. It is a wonderful piece of gear - well constructed and simple.
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Old 10-01-2013, 06:17   #14
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Re: Reefit Furlers

The Reef-rite now uses neoprene sealed, no maintenance bearings. I'm not sure about the additional wire, hi field lever and paw system. Seems to be getting away from the KISS idea. Replacing the furling line regularly is another option. It does look bullet proof though. Have not found the Reefurl yet.
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Old 10-01-2013, 06:55   #15
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Re: Reefit Furlers

Just found Reefurl. Looks wonderfully simple and cheap.
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