Furling line

[Fou Du Large]

Hello

I bought my Catalina last year and i'm upgrading many things.
The previous owner had installed a wire line to the furler.( Harken unit-1) just like a halyard, wire 5/32 spliced to a 3/8 rope.
Actually the boat is under the snow... and i can't try anything.
I think that i need a 3/8 line on the furler drum. Is that ok?
If no what is the diam. of your furling line.

Also i want to install a XAS Spinlock rope clutch near the cockpit, on my furling line. I'm  always alone to handle the sails and i think that it will be a great helper to furl the genoa in strong winds.
Last year in 30 kn wind i was'nt able to hold back the line to furl the genoa.  I must take the genoa sheet winch to furl....
Is that a good idea to intall a rope clutch?
Where is the better place?

Thank all.

[Ron Hill]

Fou :  A good size for a furling line is 3/8 inch.   That size is strong, easy to grip and will fit on your Harken drum.  I use a 3/8" on mine and found that 72 feet are sufficient.

On the side that I lead the furling line back to the cockpit on, here's another idea instead of a spinlock clutch.  I mounted a small Lewmar #16 self tailing winch!!  It's great as you can roller/crank in a bit if the wind pipes up or let some out when the wind calms down.   I also use that little winch for the tack control line of the spinnaker.  That little winch is aft of the primary genoa wininch by about 2 feet. 
A few thoughts.   

[Fou Du Large]

Very good idea Ron!

But the winch is more.. more..  expensive than a rope clutch. And more... more... usefull to.

I think that a can work with a rope clutch between the 2 last blocs and if the furling line is long enough, i can tack it on a halyard winch on the cabin top.... 

[Stu Jackson]

My inventory shows: 5/16" Sta Set $0.59 per foot, 61 feet

We have a ProFurl system.  The line's worked fine for both our 110 and 85 jibs.  A genoa of 150% would most likely need a longer line.