GUIDE: the best genoa furler comparison
The furler is now standard equipment on most sailboats. It allows you to adapt the genoa surface to the force of the wind, from your cockpit. Several manufacturers offer different models on the market and it is not always easy to recognize the best genoa furler. The choice of a brand of reel must be based on criteria such as robustness, assembly, durability, availability of parts and efficiency during maneuvers. The price / quality ratio is also very important. The reels that are available on the market each have their own specificities. We offer you in this article a genoa furling comparison brands Harken, Profurl, Facnor, Furlex and Plastimo to help you in your choice.
What is a genoa furler?
As indicated by his name, the genoa furler allows the sail to be furled front of your boat to reduce the surface area or to store it completely. It is useful to allow you to adapt the look of the a boat as well as the direction of the latter to the force of the wind. It is therefore a piece of equipment that allows the canopy to be configured. The genoa furler is installed on a forestay.
A salutary development
Before the invention of the genoa furler, sailors had to navigate with several genoa of different sizes. Depending on the strength of the wind and the sea gait, they hoisted a specific genoa or another. Obviously, that represented more tasks to be done! But thanks to the furler, the same genoa is used at all times.
How a genoa furler works
Two main elements define the operation of a genoa furler : the drum and the forestay. A rope allows the rotation of the drum once the genoa is derailed in the groove of the section. By maneuvering the rope, the genoa can wind up or unwind partially or completely around the forestay (or more precisely the furling tube).
But what are the best reels available on the market? Read it genoa furling comparison below to get a better idea.
Our genoa furler comparison: the best brands
Harken genoa furlers: the most reliable and resistant
- Highlights of the Harken genoa furlers
Harken is one of the manufacturers with the most reliable and durable genoa furlers. Its products are very strong and efficient. Regatta enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate it even more. Harken offers reels with an excellent ratio price quality. And parts are available everywhere.
- Some disadvantages of Harken genoa furlers
- The assembly of Harken hose reels is more or less complicated. Newbies will have some difficulty.
- For most models, it is necessary to cut the forestay when fitting the furler.
Profurl genoa furlers: suitable for ocean cruising
- Advantages of Profurl sail furlers
Profurl undoubtedly offers the best genoa furlers for large cruises. Profurl genoa furlers are renowned for their robustness, their rather simple assembly and the tightness of their bearings. Note also that the repair of reels Profurl is quite easy. In addition, Profurl's after-sales service is excellent.
- The weak points of Profurl sail furlers
- Expensive repair if you have to return to the factory
- Risk of winding of the halyard when adjusting the tension of the GSE
Facnor genoa furlers: the best value for money
- Advantages of Facnor sail furlers
Facnor reels have a fairly simple design. Both assembly and use are easy. They are a good choice for regattas. When it comes to value for money, Facnor genoa furlers are one of the best options.
- Faults of the Facnor genoa furlers
Instability of the line which occasionally winds badly around the drum.
Furlex genoa furlers: the top of the range
- The strengths of Furlex sail furlers
Furlex genoa furlers also have a reputation for being very reliable. The assembly and disassembly are done without great difficulty. Furlex reels are rather high end and high quality. The materials used are good choices and you are sure to be able to use these reels for many years on your sailing ship. In addition, the forestay is usually supplied with the furler.
- Faults of Furlex sail furlers
- Rather complicated repair
- Quite expensive spare parts
- Protective cover a little too big; which prevents a good view of the line.
Plastimo genoa furlers: for small budgets
- Advantages of Plastimo genoa furlers
Plastimo offers genoa furlers cheap. The design is quite simple and the use is satisfactory with its adjustable slats. Also, the design of the Plastimo genoa furlers is quite sober. The profiles are made of aluminum and are well suited to the marine environment. Thanks to on-board keys, the assembly of Plastimo reels is also quite easy.
- Fault related to Plastimo sail furlers
Quality and finish less satisfactory than other brands.
Our opinion after this comparison on the best genoa furlers
If you want to make a purchase genoa furler, you should focus on the Harken and Furlex brands first. Of course, we will have to spend a substantial amount. But you are sure to get reliable and durable products. You can also find used Harken and Furlex hose reels for great discounts at sites like Amazon, Ebay et CDiscount.
Facnor and Profurl also offer good quality reels. Plastimo undoubtedly comes last in the genoa furling comparison that we did in this article. However, Plastimo hose reels are well suited to small budgets.
Find out more about sail furlers for boats:
How do I adjust the genoa furler?
