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Idylles15.5 · 23-01-2018, 18:37

Just a quick answer from any guys out there doing some serious traveling. Finally leaving next sept for the big trip roundy round. Boat is mint, ready to go. Only thing not new is the roller furler. I've rebuilt the old Goiot and it still works well, but when I took the sail off this winter I noticed the seam on the casting in the drum was cracked in a spot. Time to suck it up. So I've worked on a bunch of them on customers boats. I've replaced egged out torlon bearing on profurl and some others, but the big 3100 Schaefers seem to be really durable. I'm pretty sure thats the way I'm going, and no its not because my last name is Schlaefer lol. Just some input from guys (or ladys / Transgenders I don't want to offend anybody lol) Who have been doing some serious world cruising. I don't need a whole essay, just which have you depended on for thousands of sea miles. Thank you

sailnautilus · 23-01-2018, 18:47

Schaefer 3100 on bow and 2100 on cutter stay sail.....on 52’ Kanter, with 72’ Air draft.....bulletproof on second go round...highly recommend.

Boatguy30 · 23-01-2018, 19:24

I would recommend the Profurl LC-42.

The Schaefer is a great unit but pretty expensive. The profurl is a lot easier to assemble also.

Idylles15.5 · 23-01-2018, 19:30

That sealed system captures a lot of crud. I have replaced more Torlon bearings in those then any other unit I've worked on. They are out as far as I'm concerned, but thanks, I welcome the input. I'm going to tab the totals at the end of the thread and weigh the comments.

evm1024 · 23-01-2018, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idylles15.5

That sealed system captures a lot of crud. I have replaced more Torlon bearings in those then any other unit I've worked on. They are out as far as I'm concerned, but thanks, I welcome the input. I'm going to tab the totals at the end of the thread and weigh the comments.

Tab them away, I'll be in the market in a few years and would welcome the results.

daletournier · 24-01-2018, 00:34

I have a the 3100. Can't really compare it to anything else but can say in the 7500nm I did this year it performed flawlessly in all conditions.

**Jim Cate** · 24-01-2018, 01:06

If long term reliability and strength is your primary concern, have a look at the Reef Rite from New Zealand. Profound strength, uses readily available common bearings and seals and has a few unique features as well. Top notch equipment for the serious cruiser.

Jim

Boatguy30 · 24-01-2018, 04:36

Torlon is the type of plastic used to make the Harken and Schaefer ball bearings.

Profurls use sealed steel bearings factory greased. Just like wheel bearings in a Toyota that go 300,000 miles. You can not "clean the crud" out of them. Typically they last 25+ years, but occasionally have problems sooner.

Profurls have a 10 year warranty. Most people have their boats less time than that in my experience.

I have also seem Schaefer systems develop some corrosion issues and need replacing around the time frame you'd expect to do bearings and seals in a profurl

**boatman61** · 24-01-2018, 04:56

I like Harkens.. but then I'm kinda stuck in my ways..

C&P

Harken's MKIV Jib Reefing & Furling units solve the inefficient shape of reefed sails with independent head and tack swivels. The independent swivels allow the middle to furl first, flattening the sail and reducing heel. For the best results, use a sail designed specifically for reefing with your MKIV Furler.

Orion Jim · 24-01-2018, 15:34

I've owned three Harken units since new. No problems ever....including one unit I had for 18 years. Go with what ya know......;-)

Idylles15.5 · 24-01-2018, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Torlon is the type of plastic used to make the Harken and Schaefer ball bearings.

Profurls use sealed steel bearings factory greased. Just like wheel bearings in a Toyota that go 300,000 miles. You can not "clean the crud" out of them. Typically they last 25+ years, but occasionally have problems sooner.

Profurls have a 10 year warranty. Most people have their boats less time than that in my experience.

I have also seem Schaefer systems develop some corrosion issues and need replacing around the time frame you'd expect to do bearings and seals in a profurl

I'm not here to argue with anyone, but The sealed profurls also keep the sludge inside when salt water does seep in and turn the grease in cruddy goop. They wipe out and loosen up. I've also seen a few where the allen head screws on the bottom side linkage back out, then then strip the female threads and the whole unit becomes sketchy. I have nothing against profurl, but I have just run into these issues with their product. I'm not sure where you get this 10 year number. Maybe on a power boat where the drive train gets wasted over the years with running hours, but all the guys I know around long Island have had their boats for quite awhile. I'm the one who works on them. How long do wheel bearings last on boat trailers when people back their boat down a ramp into salt water. Not long, and if you have ever changed them ( which I have many at are marina) The grease is wasted from the salt water intrusion. Exactly why I don't want a sealed bearing full of grease I can't get at to clean.

Idylles15.5 · 24-01-2018, 16:28

not are, I meant our, or the marina where I work.

Idylles15.5 · 24-01-2018, 16:41

Just to be clear I meant I've replaced Torlon on other roller furlers. I'm aware of what they are made of, but they do egg out. The profurls are carbon, not stainless, but dirty grease full of salty crap will pit and wipe out any bearing.

Idylles15.5 · 24-01-2018, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

If long term reliability and strength is your primary concern, have a look at the Reef Rite from New Zealand. Profound strength, uses readily available common bearings and seals and has a few unique features as well. Top notch equipment for the serious cruiser.

Jim

Just looked at them, I like that mechanical pawl that locks the unit to take the load off the line. I had a rotted line snap on delivery to Newport to put a customers boat on a cargo ship to the BVI. Rigg was a mess, the line snapped and the jib totally unfurled in heavy winds. Not fun getting that baby back in.