How to Choose the Right Headsail Furler for Your Boat

By: Andy Camarda

A headsail furler is a game-changer for ease of sail handling, allowing you to quickly reef or furl your jib or genoa in changing wind conditions. Choosing the right system depends on several factors, including your boat size, sailing style, and how much durability you need for your sailing adventures. The right furler improves safety, extends sail life, and makes your time on the water more enjoyable.

Key Factors When Choosing a Furler

1. Boat Size & Sail Load

Your boat’s length, sail area, and rigging loads determine how strong and durable your furler needs to be.

• Boats under 30 feet: A lightweight, simple furler is best. Overbuilt systems add unnecessary weight and friction. Good options: CDI Flexible Furler or Furlex 204S.
• Boats 30-45 feet: Need a sturdy system with reinforced components and smooth reefing capability. Options like Harken ESP, Furlex 304S, or Profurl C290 are well-suited.
• Boats over 45 feet: Large headsails generate high loads, making furling by hand more difficult. These boats benefit from oversized manual furlers or electric options like Bamar Electric or Reckmann RF90.

Pro Tip: If your boat has a high-aspect rig (tall mast, smaller headsail), choose a high-load furler with reinforced luff extrusions. If your boat has a masthead rig with a large genoa, make sure the drum size is large enough to provide smooth furling.

2. Sailing Style & Typical Conditions

Your sailing habits directly impact the type of furler that’s best for you.

• Day Sailing & Coastal Cruising: If you primarily sail in protected waters and don’t expect heavy weather, a simpler, more affordable manual furler works well. Look for sealed bearings and low-maintenance designs, such as the Furlex 204S/304S or Harken ESP.
• Offshore & Bluewater Cruising: You need a furler that can withstand constant UV exposure, saltwater, and high loads while allowing controlled reefing. A heavily reinforced system like Profurl C320 or Schaefer 3100 is ideal. These furlers feature oversized bearings, multiple reefing points, and stainless steel components to resist corrosion.
• Performance & Racing: Weight and windage are key concerns. A low-profile, lightweight furler like the Facnor FlatDeck or Harken MKIV reduces drag and maintains optimal sail shape. Continuous-line furlers are also popular for racers, allowing the sail to be tightly furled with less bulk.

Pro Tip: If you plan to sail shorthanded or in rough conditions, choose a furler with a large drum diameter to reduce the effort needed to furl the sail.

3. Reefing vs. Furling Efficiency

Not all furlers are designed to efficiently reef a sail. Some budget models work well for fully deploying or stowing a sail but struggle with maintaining a smooth sail shape when partially furled.

• If you plan to reef your headsail regularly, choose a furler with:
  ✔ Torsion-resistant luff extrusions (prevents sail distortion when reefed)
  ✔ Large-diameter furling drums (reduces line tension and improves control)
  ✔ Double or triple bearings (prevents binding under load)

Good options for reefing include the Harken MKIV, Profurl C-Series, and Schaefer 3100. Avoid furlers with thin, flexible extrusions if you plan to reef often, as they can cause uneven sail shape and premature wear.

Pro Tip: If you use a high-performance jib or Code Zero, look for a free-flying furler like the Facnor FX+ or Harken Reflex, designed specifically for furling lightweight downwind sails.

4. Manual vs. Electric Furlers

Most sailors use manual furlers, but for larger boats or short-handed sailing, electric furlers can be a game-changer.

• Manual Furlers: Best for boats up to 50 feet. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and require no electrical system. Look for furlers with sealed bearings, stainless steel drums, and a robust luff extrusion for smooth operation.
• Electric Furlers: Ideal for boats over 45 feet or sailors who prefer push-button sail handling. These furlers require wiring but eliminate the physical effort of furling a large sail. Options like the Bamar Electric Furler or Reckmann MF Series are excellent choices.
• Hydraulic Furlers: Found mostly on superyachts and high-load racing boats, hydraulic systems offer instant furling with minimal effort but come at a premium price.

Pro Tip: If upgrading to an electric furler, make sure your power system and battery bank can handle the load, especially on longer passages.

5. Furler Durability & Maintenance

A furler is an investment that should last for many seasons, so choosing a low-maintenance, corrosion-resistant model is important.

• Bearings: High-quality furlers use sealed, stainless steel bearings that don’t require frequent lubrication. Avoid furlers with plastic or unsealed bearings, as they can seize up over time.
• Luff Extrusion Strength: Offshore and high-load furlers need rigid, reinforced extrusions that won’t twist under load.
• Drum & Housing Material: Look for anodized aluminum or stainless steel to resist corrosion in a saltwater environment.
• Chafe Protection: Offshore sailors should consider furlers with reinforced lead blocks, heavy-duty furling lines, and UV-protected components.

Brands like Profurl and Schaefer are known for heavy-duty, low-maintenance designs, while Facnor and Harken focus on lightweight, high-performance furlers with excellent engineering.

Pro Tip: Always rinse your furler with fresh water after saltwater sailing and check your furling line regularly for wear.

Which Furler is Right for You?

Choosing the right furler ensures smooth, safe, and reliable sail handling for years to come. If you’re unsure, consulting a sailmaker or rigger can help you find the best system for your boat and sailing style.