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CDI FF2 - User Manual

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FLEXIBLE FURLER INSTRUCTIONS
FF2
WARNING: READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING FURLER
Improper installation of your CDI Flexible Furler or
reinstallation of your current headstay may result in the loss
of your mast and may cause injury to those onboard.
INDEX
- Specifications… Page 1
- Diagram… Page 2
- Parts list… Page 2
- Uncoiling instructions… Page 3
- Straightening instructions… Page 4
- Assembly instructions… Page 5-8
- Sailmaker instructions… Page 9
- Rigger instructions Page 9
- Notes about Sailing Page 9
- Notes about Trailering Page 10
- Maintenance and Storage… Page 10
- Warranty… Page 10
SPECIFICATIONS
- Max Headstay Length: 29’
- Max Wire Size: 3/16
- Max Turnbuckle Pin Size: 5/16”
- Headstay: Threaded swaged stud turnbuckle with
toggle at the bottom, a toggle at the top is
recommended but any secure fitting like a T-bolt at
the top will work. Must be secured by cotter pins.
Navtec turnbuckles are not compatible.
- Furling line: 3/16 double braided line or any low-
stretch line, twice your boat length. Not included.
- Mounting: must not be mounted above the
turnbuckle. Link plates can be used for clearance.
TOOLS
- Hacksaw
- Measuring tape
- Phillips head screwdriver
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Summary

WARNING: READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING FURLER

Installation Safety Warning

Improper installation can lead to mast loss and injury to those onboard.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max Headstay Length and Wire Size

Specifies maximum headstay length and wire size for the furler.

Turnbuckle Pin and Headstay Compatibility

Details compatible turnbuckle pin sizes and headstay fittings, noting Navtec incompatibility.

Furling Line and Mounting Requirements

Defines furling line type and length, and mounting location restrictions.

TOOLS

Required Tools for Installation

Lists essential tools like hacksaw, measuring tape, and Phillips head screwdriver.

UNCOILING AND STRAIGHTENING INSTRUCTIONS

Uncoiling Safety Precautions

Warning about stored energy in coiled luffs and recommended safety gear.

Step-by-step Uncoiling Process

Guide on how to cut restraining tape and uncoil the luff extrusion safely.

Luff Straightening Procedure

Method to straighten the luff extrusion using tension and time, avoiding kinks.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Headstay Measurement and Cutting

Measure headstay, deduct length, and cut the luff extrusion accurately.

Halyard Top Fitting Attachment

Attaching the halyard top fitting to the luff, including securing the set screw.

Messenger Line and Turnbuckle Setup

Using a messenger line and preparing the turnbuckle ends for headstay attachment.

Spool and Luff Support Pin Installation

Installing the furling drum/spool, thrust washer, and luff support pin.

Furling Line and Fairlead Setup

Routing the furling line through the cup and setting up the fairlead and cleat.

Halyard Trimming and Sail Attachment

Trimming the halyard to length and attaching the sail's luff to the halyard.

Sail Hoisting and Tensioning

Hoisting the sail, removing the messenger line, and tensioning the tack tension line.

SAILMAKER INSTRUCTIONS

Luff Tape Compatibility

Specifies #6 luff tape compatibility for CDI furlers.

Webbing vs. Grommets

Recommends webbing over metal grommets for smoother furling.

Spool and Fitting Dimensions

Provides key dimensions for the spool and halyard top fitting.

RIGGING INSTRUCTIONS

Mounting Location Restriction

Furler must not be mounted above the turnbuckle; use link plates for clearance.

Turnbuckle and Toggle Compatibility

Details compatible turnbuckles, toggles, and notes Navtec incompatibility.

Cotter Pin Usage

Emphasizes using cotter pins to lock turnbuckles instead of locknuts.

NOTES ABOUT TRAILERING

Trailering Support and Extrusion Straightness

How to support the furler during trailering and maintain extrusion straightness.

MAINTENANCE

Routine Furler Rinsing

Rinse the furler system with fresh water 1-2 times yearly to clear salt and dirt.

Lubrication Recommendations

Lubricants are not required; Teflon sprays or dry lubricants are acceptable if needed.

STORING YOUR FURLER

Storage Position and Support

Store furler horizontally on the mast, supported by hardware like a 2x4 or PVC tube.

Avoiding Bends and Temperature Limits

Avoid sharp bends in extrusion; do not exceed 140F/60C storage temperature.

NOTES ABOUT SAILING

Luff Tension and Winch Use

Luff tension should be moderate; winch use is usually not necessary.

Reefing and Jib Lead Adjustment

Adjust jib leads forward when reefing to maintain sail shape and prevent rising.

Furl Tension on Jib Sheet

Maintain tension on the jib sheet while reefing the furling line.

WARRANTY

10-Year Limited Warranty Terms

Covers defects; requires proof of purchase. Repairs/replacements exclude shipping.

Warranty Exclusions

Excludes damage from weather, accidents, improper storage, or incorrect uncoiling/straightening.

Summary

WARNING: READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING FURLER

Installation Safety Warning

Improper installation can lead to mast loss and injury to those onboard.

SPECIFICATIONS

Max Headstay Length and Wire Size

Specifies maximum headstay length and wire size for the furler.

Turnbuckle Pin and Headstay Compatibility

Details compatible turnbuckle pin sizes and headstay fittings, noting Navtec incompatibility.

Furling Line and Mounting Requirements

Defines furling line type and length, and mounting location restrictions.

TOOLS

Required Tools for Installation

Lists essential tools like hacksaw, measuring tape, and Phillips head screwdriver.

UNCOILING AND STRAIGHTENING INSTRUCTIONS

Uncoiling Safety Precautions

Warning about stored energy in coiled luffs and recommended safety gear.

Step-by-step Uncoiling Process

Guide on how to cut restraining tape and uncoil the luff extrusion safely.

Luff Straightening Procedure

Method to straighten the luff extrusion using tension and time, avoiding kinks.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Headstay Measurement and Cutting

Measure headstay, deduct length, and cut the luff extrusion accurately.

Halyard Top Fitting Attachment

Attaching the halyard top fitting to the luff, including securing the set screw.

Messenger Line and Turnbuckle Setup

Using a messenger line and preparing the turnbuckle ends for headstay attachment.

Spool and Luff Support Pin Installation

Installing the furling drum/spool, thrust washer, and luff support pin.

Furling Line and Fairlead Setup

Routing the furling line through the cup and setting up the fairlead and cleat.

Halyard Trimming and Sail Attachment

Trimming the halyard to length and attaching the sail's luff to the halyard.

Sail Hoisting and Tensioning

Hoisting the sail, removing the messenger line, and tensioning the tack tension line.

SAILMAKER INSTRUCTIONS

Luff Tape Compatibility

Specifies #6 luff tape compatibility for CDI furlers.

Webbing vs. Grommets

Recommends webbing over metal grommets for smoother furling.

Spool and Fitting Dimensions

Provides key dimensions for the spool and halyard top fitting.

RIGGING INSTRUCTIONS

Mounting Location Restriction

Furler must not be mounted above the turnbuckle; use link plates for clearance.

Turnbuckle and Toggle Compatibility

Details compatible turnbuckles, toggles, and notes Navtec incompatibility.

Cotter Pin Usage

Emphasizes using cotter pins to lock turnbuckles instead of locknuts.

NOTES ABOUT TRAILERING

Trailering Support and Extrusion Straightness

How to support the furler during trailering and maintain extrusion straightness.

MAINTENANCE

Routine Furler Rinsing

Rinse the furler system with fresh water 1-2 times yearly to clear salt and dirt.

Lubrication Recommendations

Lubricants are not required; Teflon sprays or dry lubricants are acceptable if needed.

STORING YOUR FURLER

Storage Position and Support

Store furler horizontally on the mast, supported by hardware like a 2x4 or PVC tube.

Avoiding Bends and Temperature Limits

Avoid sharp bends in extrusion; do not exceed 140F/60C storage temperature.

NOTES ABOUT SAILING

Luff Tension and Winch Use

Luff tension should be moderate; winch use is usually not necessary.

Reefing and Jib Lead Adjustment

Adjust jib leads forward when reefing to maintain sail shape and prevent rising.

Furl Tension on Jib Sheet

Maintain tension on the jib sheet while reefing the furling line.

WARRANTY

10-Year Limited Warranty Terms

Covers defects; requires proof of purchase. Repairs/replacements exclude shipping.

Warranty Exclusions

Excludes damage from weather, accidents, improper storage, or incorrect uncoiling/straightening.

Overview

The CDI Flexible Furler FF2 is a marine device designed for furling sails on sailboats. It aims to simplify sail handling by allowing the sail to be rolled up or unfurled from the cockpit. The system is designed for easy installation and maintenance, with specific instructions provided to ensure proper and safe operation.

Function Description

The Flexible Furler FF2 system allows a jib or genoa to be furled (rolled up) around the headstay, eliminating the need to drop and bag the sail. It consists of a luff extrusion (foil) that encases the headstay, a furling drum/spool at the bottom, and a halyard top fitting at the top. A furling line, wrapped around the drum, is pulled to rotate the luff extrusion and furl the sail. The internal halyard system allows the sail to be hoisted and tensioned within the luff extrusion.

Important Technical Specifications

  • Max Headstay Length: 29 feet
  • Max Wire Size: 3/16 inch
  • Max Turnbuckle Pin Size: 5/16 inch
  • Headstay Compatibility: Designed for threaded swaged stud turnbuckles with a toggle at the bottom. A toggle at the top is recommended, but any secure fitting like a T-bolt will work. Must be secured by cotter pins. Navtec turnbuckles are not compatible.
  • Furling Line: Requires a 3/16 inch double braided line or any low-stretch line, twice your boat length. (Not included).
  • Mounting: Must not be mounted above the turnbuckle. Link plates can be used for clearance.
  • Sail Compatibility: Sails require a #6 luff tape. Webbing at the head and tack of the sail is recommended over metal grommets for smoother furling.
  • Halyard Top Fitting: Updated in 2017 with a metal sheave to prevent friction. Requires a 13-inch deduction from the headstay length when cutting the luff.
  • Turnbuckle Compatibility: FF2 systems are compatible with 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch turnbuckles with a threaded swage-end and a T-bolt toggle.
  • Warranty: 10-year limited warranty for the original owner with proof of purchase.

Usage Features

Installation: The installation process involves several steps, starting with uncoiling and straightening the luff extrusion. The luff is shipped coiled and must be uncoiled carefully to avoid damage and kinks. Straightening involves recoiling the luff in the opposite direction and allowing it to rest for at least 3 hours. Warmer temperatures can speed up this process.

Assembly begins by measuring the headstay length and cutting the luff extrusion to the correct size, deducting 13 inches for the halyard top fitting. The halyard is then threaded through the top fitting and the luff extrusion. The halyard top fitting is attached to the luff with a set screw.

The turnbuckle is unscrewed, and the headstay is passed through the halyard top fitting and luff. The turnbuckle body is then screwed onto the threaded pin. Additional washers and an anti-rotation strap are added to the T-bolt, which is then placed through the bottom of the cup, followed by the bearing. The cup and anti-rotation strap are aligned and screwed together.

The furling drum/spool is slid onto the luff, aligning the sail-feed slot with the anchor shackle. The luff support pin is inserted into the spool. The mast is then stepped (if down) and the headstay attached. The backstay and headstay tension are adjusted.

A furling line is tied to the spool, and the spool is manually rotated 20 times to load the line. The furling line should be wrapped counter-clockwise for starboard exit or clockwise for port exit. Fairleads and a cleat are installed for the furling line.

Sail Hoisting and Furling: To hoist the sail, a messenger line is attached to the de-cored end of the halyard. The halyard is pulled until the ferrule reaches the top of the forestay. The halyard length is then trimmed based on whether the sail is full hoist or not. The halyard is attached to the head of the sail using a shackle or knot.

The luff of the sail is fed into the sail-feed slot while hoisting the sail by pulling on the messenger line. Once fully hoisted, the messenger line is removed, and the halyard is tied off on the anchor shackle on the spool. The sail is tensioned by tightening the tack tension line to the second shackle on the spool and pulling the halyard at a vertical angle.

To furl the sail, the furling line is pulled while maintaining tension on the jib sheet. When sailing reefed, the jib leads should be moved forward to maintain proper sail shape and prevent the furler from rising off the bearing.

Rigging Considerations: The furler system must not be mounted above the turnbuckle to prevent unscrewing and dismasting. Link plates can be used if more clearance is needed. Cotter pins should be used to lock the turnbuckle, not locknuts. Toggles are required at the bottom of the headstay, and a toggle is recommended at the top.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance: The only required maintenance is to rinse the furler system, including the ball-bearing assembly, with fresh water 1-2 times per year. This helps clear out any accumulated salt or dirt. Lubricants are not required, but Teflon sprays or dry lubricants are acceptable on the luff if needed.

Storage: For storage, the furler should be strapped to the mast in a horizontal position, with the end supported by a 2x4 or PVC tube. It is important to keep the extrusion as straight as possible, avoiding any sagging or twisting. Sharp bends in the extrusion should be avoided as they can become permanent and are not covered under warranty. It is not necessary to remove or recoil the extrusion for storage, and doing so over long periods is not recommended as the furler ages. The furler should not be exposed to temperatures above 140°F/60°C.

Warranty Exclusions: The 10-year limited warranty does not cover damage incurred from weather, trailering or transporting, collisions at sea, improper storage, improper uncoiling or straightening of the luff (including using weights or heat guns), etc.

CDI FF2 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandCDI
ModelFF2
CategoryBoating Equipment
LanguageEnglish