Furler - Swan 41
Hi all,
My genoa furler (Harken) seems tired and difficult to repair. I am contemplating replacing it. I am hesitating between buying a Profurl R420 or a Reckman. Prices are quite different, with Profurl being much more competitive. Does any one has some advice for me? Is there any specific technical aspect I should bear in mind when making a decision? Reckman was originally the product chosen by Nautor Swan and I assume there were good reasons for this (quality, efficiency...). At the same time techniques may have evolved since then.
Many thanks in advance for your feedback.
Christophe
Swan 41 (#11)

Hello Christophe,
I would go a Reckmann without hesitating, which in fact I myself did. Their technique is very up to date and their used material and accuracy are first class.

Cheers//
Philippe (47/050 farouche)

I would totally agree with Philippe if the price of the Reckmann sounded even slightly reasonable. When I had to face the problem, I am afraid, it did not sound so and I made the painful but most reasonable choice: Profurl. More than 10 years have gone, sometimes I am sorry that at the bow I do not see the original Reckmann but I never had any, not even the tiniest, problem with the new.
I have only one afterthought: maybe I should have tried harder to rebuild the worn parts of the original keeping it; at that time, I was told directly by the manufacturer in Germany that spares for that model were not available and that the only choice was to buy a complete new unit.
Daniel, 411/004

Dear furler discussion participants
If you allow me here are some details for your consideration.
Profurl R420 can be described as a reliable system, and this is achieved by increasing the dimensions slightly. This is clearly visible when compared to the sleeker Reckmann RS2000/20. For example Profurl drum diameter is 242 mm versus Reckmann 198 mm, and headstay foil diameter is 42 mm versus 35.8 mm. Reckmann has roller (not ball-) bearings and integral lower end length adjustment.
Kind regards
Lars

Many thanks to all for your responses.
Professor, are roller bearings more efficient than balls bearings or is it the reverse? My cruising genoa being quite "thick", would Profurl better do the work as it is larger or does it not matter? In a few words, and putting aside the price aspect, would you quote the Reckman system as your n°1 choice or not necessarily?
Many thanks.
Christophe

Dear Christophe
Roller bearings can carry bigger loads than ball bearings, and both furlers can do the job.
Reckmann has been considered the first choice by the builder of these yachts.
Kind regards
Lars

Dear Professor,
Cristal clear. This will help me make my decision. For a 41 (short mast) is the RS2000/20, the most appropriate Reckman?
Kind regards.
Christophe

Yes, /20 is the correct size
Lars

Dear Christophe, we have been sailing with a profurl for at least 20 years without the slightest problem. I think it is a C42 but I can check if you wish. Our 41/022 has a tall rig, and 150% genoa...
Kind regards.
Philippe

Hi Christophe,

I too have a Profurl (it was not called Profurl then) that I installed on my present boat in 1984 – it has never missed a beat and we have sailed a few miles.

All of the top brand roller furlers are good.  They differ slightly, have their strengths and weaknesses but they must be installed correctly and the forestay must be kept tight.

Profurl have 2 ranges, the Racing (R) and the Cruising (C), of which the cruising is more robust.  The cruising range of furlers are by far the most popular unit out there today and parts/repairs are easily found.

Happy sailing, David 43/12

Yes indeed, David is highlighting a very important point: worldwide availability of parts. A closely related problem I am very sensible with, regards the industrial policy of the manufacturers: how long a manufacturer will support the maintenance of a particular product? I am sorry but the fact that Reckmann did not support their expensive and first class furlers after 20 years did not impress me positively.
I reckon that it might seem a rather severe judgement but I like to stress that the policy of a company in such matters is a deliberate choice of the management.
Daniel, 411/004

I agree that Reckmann is the highest quality, but we fitted and used Harken furlers with a split drum on three Swans and they never let us down. We like the split drum as we took it off for racing and used full hoist headsails. I periodically rinsed the drum and bearings with fresh water after sailing. I would have thought that Harken might have been keen to help you renovate your existing system. Gavin

We just have decided to invest in a flat deck furler Facnor.  We hope to increase the luff and improve the beauty of the boat while increasing our speed.  At this stage we have not installed the furler yet, has anyone experience of flat deck furler and specificaly the best anchor to use to avoid touching the furler when anchoring?

Ludovic from Rumtrader

Just for making my voice heard: I am still using the furler that came with my boat in 1971 a Stearns  Streamstay where the forestay  is replaced by an aluminum  extrusion and rotates for furling. I did replace the bearings with stainless ones. So far I have not had the dreaded hallyard wrap. (Knock on wood) 

Pete,  CYGNUS 040/012