CDI (Cruising Designs Inc) continuous line furler

[Oldlaxer1]

I have an old CDI continuous line furler on our new to us boat.  I hate it.  Partly because the PO did such a poor job of splicing a new line on it but also because it is a bear to furl/unfurl.  I purchased a new Harken MKIV unit 2 that I will be installing after the season ends.  My question is, does anyone know the proper line size for the old CDI continuous line furler?  I think perhaps what is there is too large.  Even when the lousy splice isn't in the drum it is still hard to turn. 

[Ron Hill]

Old : I believe it was 7/16" line.
braid on braid constant diameter is a VERY difficult splice to make so don't get after the PO too much. Most riggers can't even make that splice!!

C34s thru about 1990 (1000+ hulls!!) came with a Hood 915 continuous line furler.  Most of us have changed that out to a single line furler.

You'll like your single line Harken much better!!

A thought

[Oldlaxer1]

It took me three tries to get my test splice the way I wanted it so I agree, splicing constant diameter isn't easy.  The existing line chafes on the three outside guides (two shown in picture) which certainly contributes to the difficulty in furling.   I had a MKI on my old boat and had it serviced just after I bought the boat while the rigger was doing the rig inspection and it worked flawlessly for 5 years.  We were spoiled...

[Ron Hill]

John : You might want to look at the Garhauer outside the stanchion line guides. 
They are great and keep the line out of the walkway and are ball bearing!!   

A few thought

[Oldlaxer1]

Well, after doing the research, I purchased some 3/8" Samson trophy braid, removed the old and put it on.  Splice went exceptionally well thank God. Furler is now functional again.  I added enough line to get it to the Stb side pushpit rail so I can furl from the helm station.  I'm very pleased with the results.  It is routed outside the stanchions so the deck remains clear.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[LogoFreak]

Hi John, I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing. My mast is down and am going to be ordering the furler, any reason you chose to go with the unit 2 instead of the unit 1? Our wire is 5/16 1x19 and we have a 5/8in toggle. The unit 1 will do 1/2 toggle and 5/8, while unit 2 does 5/8 and 3/4. Just curious as to why you chose unit 2?

[Oldlaxer1]

I went with the unit 2 because I found a used one in like new condition for a great price.  Even adding all the foils and missing connectors I'll be all in for under $1,000.  Couldn't pass it up.