Furling Jib for ComPac 16XL

[carry-on]

Considering installing a CDI furler on my 1997 CP 16. It is the 7/8 fractional rig.
Asking folks who have installed a CDI unit on the 16, did you need to modify/replace the forestay?

[daveofds]

It is a shame no one replied,  I would like one too.  Did you eventually find one, or a suitable substitute?

[carry-on]

No input from the forum about a CDI furler on the 16. Not surprising because that furler is not common on the 16.
For now, I have dropped the idea of a furler. Have four jibs ranging from storm to 155% Genoa. The 155 is a good sail for light winds and I would miss it. It is a 3 ounce fabric. The furling sail would need to be smaller and heavier.
One of my jibs has a wire luff and is on a harken furler. I added it two years ago. It is about 105%,based on LP, 41 sf. 5.2 ounce cloth. I've used it in the winter and keep it rigged with a sock for protection. I don't use it reefed.

I single hand about 95% of the time. Dousing sails outside the marina channel is a challenge if the wind is over 10kts.Motor running and tiller clutch engaged the boat still changes direction when I move to the companionway to secure the jib. I use a downhaul for the jib, but the 155 is a pile of material on the deck. I don't go on the foredeck unless it is an emergency. I tried the "Gerr" downhaul but did not like it for the big sail, so I stick with a conventional downhaul , control line led to the cockpit.
The main can be pesky to douse but at least you are near the tiller to adjust the heading into the wind. A big help is Lazy Jacks. Somewhere on our forum there is a DIY post for lazy jacks or google Good Old Boat for this topic.
Very simple for the 16 maybe $10 for material. Only used to douse the sail. Otherwise secure to the mast. If the jacks are in place when hoisting the main, the battens tend to snag the jacks. Maybe full battens would not.
I've considered a main sail downhaul. Not the one to adjust the luff tension , but a line to bring the head of the main close to the boom. Recovering to the trailer in a cross wind, I would like zero sail area.

So, no CDI furler , at this time. I just need to be more careful selecting the head sail for a given outing. With four jibs and a main with one reef, there should be a good combination.

Enjoy the wind. It is free and often friendly.

[daveofds]

Here is good explanation for a jib stay that also can be an aid in solo rigging the fore stay, with pictures!!.

http://www.sj21fleet1.org/tips-and-tricks/jib-downhauls

[RedLeg]

Similar for me, just purchased a CP16/3 with a CDI FF1 furler installed.  Doesn't look like any mods to the forestay.