Transporting a CDI furler extrusion: How tightly can it be coiled?

[tjspiel]

So I have a new boat and a furler is on my list of desired additions. But they are expensive.

With my last boat I got kind of lucky and found a used one the next state over for $200 or so. Can't remember the exact amount they wanted but I do remember it was well worth the drive.

In that case, my boat was in the water and to transport the furler, I glued two long PVC pipes together and strapped them to the boat trailer. Then I slid the extrusion into the pipes.

We don't have a pickup but two smallish vehicles.

I may have again found a furler in a nearby state but towing the boat trailer at this time is not really an option right now. So I'm wondering if I could coil extrusion up and strap it to the roof rack of our car.

[Travis Chapman]

I can't speak to the CDI variant, but I know my old Profurl was sections of extruded aluminum that had spacers holding it together. It could be disassembled, but could not be coiled. It was just very flexible (not rigid) when assembled, so roof carry wasn't an option.

Since I'm considering another furler, I did find this on the website: "This flexible luff extrusion must be stored flat, and uncoiled within 2 weeks of it arriving at your door." So presumably it can be coiled again? Just not stored for long periods of time that way?

[Frank B.]

I had to replace the extrusion on my CDI FF2 a few years back.  The new extrusion came coiled fairly tightly, I would say about 48" diameter.  That was from the people who make it.  How easy it might be to recoil, I can't comment on.  Seems like temperature would have a lot of bearing on that.

I would ask the CDI people about doing a recoil for travel, see what they say.

[Wolverine]

Like Frank said, ask CDI. I have seen others bend it into a "U" so it can be stored inside the boat during trailering, but not coiled again.

[tjspiel]

I had to replace the extrusion on my CDI FF2 a few years back.  The new extrusion came coiled fairly tightly, I would say about 48" diameter.  That was from the people who make it.  How easy it might be to recoil, I can't comment on.  Seems like temperature would have a lot of bearing on that.

I would ask the CDI people about doing a recoil for travel, see what they say.

Yeah, I've been thinking about the temp too if I was to try it this time of year.

[Ziradog]

I bought a used one and transported it in a 6' X 10' utility trailer.  I used the full width plus part of one fender, maybe 7' total for the coil.  I uncoiled it as soon as I got to my destination.  I did not have any problems with it.

[tjspiel]

I bought a used one and transported it in a 6' X 10' utility trailer.  I used the full width plus part of one fender, maybe 7' total for the coil.  I uncoiled it as soon as I got to my destination.  I did not have any problems with it.

Ok, that's good to know. Takes up more room than I would have hoped.

I sent an email to CDI asking the same question. No response so far.

[Dave Scobie]

I sent an email to CDI asking the same question. No response so far.

The owner of CDI, Judy Franklin, is an active West Wright Potter sailboat owner. She is a moderator of the Potter Facebook group -

https://www.facebook.com/groups/758204287642371/