"Don W" wrote
Wrote a long reply (twice) and both times my computer froze just before I
sent it! Trying again!

Causes of drastic failu

1. Halyard wrap (do a web search for "halyard wrap" and furling)
2. Sail luff too short and no pendant to allow swivel to go all way to top.
3. Lack of proper rigging swivels top and bottom of forestay.
4. Foils sections coming loose - poor installation - needs locktite to
prevent
5. Bearing failure - usually due to lack of maintenance or heeding warning
signs.

Regarding design - all modern furlers fit over forestay - only differences
are that some incorporate turnbuckle in design (Harken/Furlex) while others
fir over existing turnbuckle.

Profurl, Furlex and Harken installation manuals are all on-line - do Google
search - They should explain all.

This is a good summary by Brian Toss - I agree with everything he says:

http://www.briontoss.com/education/a.../miscnov03.htm

GBM


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.