We have an older Profurler LC-32 on our 35-3. It has had a few issues since we purchased the boat last year. We‘ve had binds, furler wrap, and a sagging head stay. None of the issues have been too bad so far, but it doesn’t feel great having to play the sheet and furling line or running to the bow to free a bind. This is in contrast to our 30 year old harken unit on our 25+ that worked flawlessly.
Yesterday, I pulled the headsail down to inspect the swivel and drum. Both felt stiff. Not to the point of inevitable failure, but nowhere near as smooth as our old Harken unit. One option is replacing the bearing and head stay, routing the halyard through restrainer (we have one, it just isn’t in use, and adding a tack pendant. This should smooth things up and fix the halyard wrap issue. The other option is replacing the whole thing. I’m not impressed with the Profurl unit, so I’m leaning towards replacing it. Fisheries and Defender seem like good options to purchase, but I’m wondering if it would be better to go through a rigger. I know these are complicated devices, but I would like to install it myself. I’m interested to hear other Ericsson owner’s experiences purchasing and installing their furlers.
Yesterday, I pulled the headsail down to inspect the swivel and drum. Both felt stiff. Not to the point of inevitable failure, but nowhere near as smooth as our old Harken unit. One option is replacing the bearing and head stay, routing the halyard through restrainer (we have one, it just isn’t in use, and adding a tack pendant. This should smooth things up and fix the halyard wrap issue. The other option is replacing the whole thing. I’m not impressed with the Profurl unit, so I’m leaning towards replacing it. Fisheries and Defender seem like good options to purchase, but I’m wondering if it would be better to go through a rigger. I know these are complicated devices, but I would like to install it myself. I’m interested to hear other Ericsson owner’s experiences purchasing and installing their furlers.