Answers
The questions we actually get asked.
Our most common questions we get asked. If yours is not here, call us at 904-600-4105 and speak to a technician. Its free and no pressure.
Technical
How it works.
What is 3DFurler?
3DFurler is a modular roller-furler system, designed to be installed from the deck level without going aloft to secure any fittings.
How does 3DFurler work?
The Top, Foils and Drum assemblies are each 3 two-piece modules that clamp and interlock together. No conventional swivel needed as the integrated halyard replaces that. No Swivel to bind, No Halyard Wrap.
Does 3DFurler require rigging removal?
No. Unlike most competitors, 3DFurler uses a clamp-on top-and-drum configuration with interlocking sliding foils that encircle the stay.
Stand at the bow and install upwards. When all the foils are on, you insert & tighten the drum. The system is self-supporting and rotates as a single moving assembly.
See our YouTube video
What keeps it from sliding down to the deck?
The turnbuckle stud shoulder supports the load which stops the system sliding downward. For scale: a 50-foot system a sail is usually under 100 lbs. A turnbuckle, stay and deck will support thousands of pounds. See our YouTube Video
Does the jib halyard still hoist the sails?
No. Sails are hoisted on their own halyard, running externally and parallel to the foils, securely tensioned and easy to inspect for wear.
An endless loop makes sail changes easy, and the second luff track takes a light-air sail or a pole. Your existing jib halyard is freed up for other jobs. See Installation Manual
Can I use it behind the mast?
Yes. The furler works at any angle on any stay. Add a stay 3 to 4 inches behind the boom to give the drum clearance and install as normal — the main will be loose footed. See behind-the-mast furling.
Sizing and fitting
Will it fit, and how long does it take.
Will 3DFurler fit my sailboat?
Yes. Fit any stay length from 15 to 55 feet, with stay wire diameters from 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch. Larger sizes are a custom fit.
Systems are sold by the foot, which saves you money and materials — you are not paying for offcuts.
How do I measure my stay?
Shackle a jib halyard around the unobstructed stay wire with a messenger line attached, hoist to the masthead, mark the messenger where the wire enters the top stud, then lower and measure. Our sizing page walks you through it.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are under two hours, on deck, with the mast up, in the water or on the hard. You need an unobstructed stay from the turnbuckle connection to the top of the mast. See the installation guide. Whether you’re at anchor, dock or yard, system installation is easy to do it yourself.
Owning one
Warranty, trial and repairs.
What is the warranty?
A Lifetime warranty against design and manufacturing defects. Claims need video proof rather than a return shipment. Full terms on the warranty page.
Can I try it first?
Yes. 60 days to install, 30 days to try it, 10 days to return it. No questions asked — all we ask is a video showing you used it on your boat. See our risk-free trial.
What happens if I damage a foil?
It’s very unlikely you will damage a foil or any component for that fact under normal use. ASA Terpolymer is UV stable, strong and won’t kink like aluminum. It can be exposed in winter with or without a sail, rained on, take direct sunlight and high winds. Unless you have a need to change the stay, we suggest leaving it on.
In the event a mishap occurs, each of the foils are two halves in a 12-6-12 interlock inch pattern, not the whole extrusion. That is most of the point of a modular stack. Single Foil replacements are free; you just pay the shipping if it’s not warranty.
Why buy direct instead of through a rigger?
Since our 3DFurler system is a much faster installation than 99% of our competitors it does not always make economic sense to employ a rigger for just 2 hours. Most riggers have minimum billing policies of twice that time.
For those that need to hire a rigger to remove/repair/replace an existing system before you install 3DFurler, it could make sense to ask them to add a couple of hours labor on for installation.
Your rigger can apply for re-sell pricing as a 3DFurler Rigger and make it a one-stop purchase for you.
Go deeper
Longer answers, separate pages.
Comparison
3D printed vs aluminum
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Owners
Testimonials
Pricing
Why we sell direct
Engineering
The whitepaper
Failure modes
The deadly halyard wrap
Not covered here?
Call or email and we will help you work out whether 3DFurler is right for your boat.