Loop Products now has an electrically operated furling system for assembly in the gennaker boom. Cabling is not necessary, as the Loop EF1500 is battery operated and wirelessly controlled with a remote control. The e-furler has a diameter of 70 millimeters and can be inserted and fastened into the gennaker boom from the front.
The fork mount can be tilted up to 25 degrees and, thanks to the ball joint, transfers the torque to the stay with little friction
In addition to the motor and battery, the Loop EF1500 is also equipped with a coupling. When setting the sails, this separates the furling system from the drive at the push of a button, so the gennaker or Code Zero can be easily rolled out by pulling a sheet. Another special feature is the fork mount to which the torsion cable is shackled: It is movably connected to the roller system by a ball joint. This joint enables low-friction running and transmission of the torque from the drive when the stage is inclined by up to 25 degrees.
The EF 1500 Furler from Kohlhoff with additional battery, charger and remote control
With a maximum torque of 30 Newton meters and a working load of 750 kilograms, the Elektrofurler Loop EF1500 is designed for smaller boats up to 28 feet. It would fit well on a J 70 or a small trimaran like the Corsair 760, for example. The winding speed is given as 525 revolutions per minute. One battery charge should be enough for an hour of curling up. Since the process only takes a few seconds, according to the manufacturer, a sailing weekend should be possible without reloading. The charging process should take an hour. The EF in the name stands for electric furler, the 1500 for the breaking load in kilograms.
The unit consisting of rolling system, drive and battery weighs 4100 grams and costs 1950 euros. An additional battery is available for 50 euros, the charger costs 60 euros. A matching bag is available for 100 euros.
The remote-controlled e-furler is available from Kohlhoff and can be viewed this week at boot Düsseldorf in Hall 11, Stand G 22.