furler-reefing

I'm a hank-on sail kind of sailor. I like simple and lo-tek. But I'm considering a longer-than-usual solo trip, and a reefing furler is the first rig upgrade suggested by the sailmaker.

The range of models is a bit bewildering though. I have some opinions regarding the quality of some of these, but very little objective literature on which to base a decision as to what brands/styles are preferable for a small cruising boat. Anyone have suggestions as to how to make a decision on this expensive (for me) upgrade? suggested reading, websites, reviews?

Amgine

[Brian Duff]

What is your boats length, type and rig ?

The boat is a Carl Alberg design, Cape Dory 25D. The rig is a somewhat lower-aspect bermudan sloop.

The length on deck i 25', LWL 18'. The keel is relatively shallow but long, and displacement is approximately 6,000 (more when geared up for a week away.) Definitely a cruiser.

Amgine

[Matthew Sebring]

I'll throw my two-cents in with a harken Unit 0. It's rugged, fairly easy to install (despite what the nay-sayers say) and one of the best consistently smooth operating furlers available. The swivels allow the middle of the sail roll up just a bit before the head and foot do which makes the sail flatten a bit when you start to reef down giving you a better shape when partially furled than you get with something like a CDI which rolls up evenly.
I do have to say that I've not played with the MK IV redesign of the furler though so I'm not sure how it compares to the older MK III. In fact, I'd be interested in other's opinion of the new design. I will say that I'm completely unimpressed with the foil redesign on the new "cruising" furlers.