We purchased a Harken MKIV Unit 3 furler for our headstay to improve how we handle the headsail. Installing it required me to learn how to use a metal lathe (which I managed to break), order a new headstay, and go up the mast many times. But the install went smoothly overall, and once it was on, we ordered a used sail from Florida — about a 115% with a low clew.
To support the new setup, we bought a new halyard for the headsail, new sheets, a new furling line, and the blocks to run everything cleanly back to the cockpit. We’re still getting used to the system, but it works well and makes setting the headsail easy and controlled.
Now the focus is on maintaining it and inspecting it carefully. A furler is a great upgrade, but we understand it needs our attention to stay reliable and safe. So far, it’s been a solid improvement to how we sail the boat.
