Thanks for your comments below. Since you've seen
so many of the units, can you tell me what to look
out for as far as failures? I recall a Cruising
World article where someone had their furler shed
its bearings at sea while the jib was partially
rolled up. They then could not roll it up, or
unroll it to strike it IIRC.

Am I correct in thinking that some furlers use
bearings and swivels such that the furler becomes
the forestay, while some furlers install around
the existing forestay? If so, what are the
advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.

BTW, the price difference between the Alado, and a
Harken unit of the proper size is fairly
negligible (~30%) when you consider how long
you'll be using the furler, and the consequences
of a failure in a remote area.

TIA,

Don W.

GBM wrote:
After 25 years of installing furlers and using them on boats from 22 to 50
ft, I have an opinion, but not a strong one.

Profurl - You can't go far wrong - But there are some who got a run around
getting parts when in distant parts. But, they are a world wide company and
more likely to have service than the lesser known makes.

Harken - ( I have one on my boat that is an original Mk 1from way back!) -
More streamlined, less rugged looking than Profurl. If sized properly should
give good service and parts widely available.

Alado - Never seen one despite having been in business - probably a choice
if the price is the main consideration. Maybe buy two so you will have spare
parts

Others to look at:

Hood Yacht Systems - Seafurl - Hood were one of the first into modern
furlers - probably still worth looking at. sailed many miles on the original
units - no experience with recent units.

Furlex - Definitely worth considering - Good Swedish engineering.

Schaeffer - Installed several of these - not bad, but I would choose them
behind Profurl, Furlex and Harken mainly because of lighter duty extrusions
and joining system.

If faced with same decision, I would price all of above units, except Alado.
Then add on any extras that may be needed such as furling blocks, furling
line, shackles, halyard wrap preventer, new forestay (may be needed), sail
modifications etc. Sometime the price/size breaks result in one make being a
better value.

Good Luck

GBM