
( Brand: Facnor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: LX-165 )
The Facnor LX-165 furler is a premium, hydraulic furling system designed for sailboats seeking superior performance and reliability. This furling system is well-known in the marine industry for its robust engineering, ease of use, and sleek design.
At its core, the LX-165 is a hydraulic furling system, meaning it uses hydraulic pressure to rotate the furling drum and roll up the sail. It is specifically designed for sailboats with a foretriangle sail area between 150 and 200 square meters (1,615 and 2,153 square feet) and a mast length up to 24 meters (78.7 feet).
The LX-165's drum is made from high-strength aluminum alloy, ensuring both durability and lightweight construction. The drum's diameter is 1,650 millimeters (65 inches), and it is equipped with a 16-blade propeller, which evenly distributes the load on the sail during furling and unfurling, reducing stress and wear on the sail material.
One of the standout features of the Facnor LX-165 furler is its patented hydraulic system. This system includes a high-capacity hydraulic power unit, which delivers consistent and powerful hydraulic pressure to the furling drum. The system's pressure can be easily adjusted using the furler control unit, allowing you to fine-tune the furling and unfurling process to suit your sailing conditions and preferences.
The LX-165 furler also boasts an advanced brake system, which ensures the sail is securely held in place when needed. The brake system features a large, easy-to-operate handle, making it simple to engage and disengage the brake, even when wearing gloves or in rough sea conditions.
This furling system's installation is straightforward, with Facnor providing detailed instructions and technical support throughout the process. The LX-165 is compatible with a variety of sailboats and rigging configurations, making it a versatile choice for sailors.
In summary, the Facnor LX-165 furler is a high-performance, hydraulic furling system designed for sailboats with larger sail areas. Its robust engineering, easy-to-use features, and customizable settings make it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a reliable and efficient way to manage their sails.
The FURUNO LX-165 is a wind vane self-steering system with a built-in furling propeller. This combination offers several advantages and disadvantages for sailors. Here's a breakdown of each:
Advantages:1. Enhanced autonomy: By combining a wind vane self-steering system with a furling propeller, the LX-165 allows sailors to sail more autonomously, particularly in light wind conditions. The wind vane keeps the boat on course while the furling propeller provides additional forward motion.
2. Reduced workload: The LX-165 reduces the workload for sailors by taking care of both steering and propulsion. This is particularly beneficial during long passages or extended cruises.
3. Improved fuel efficiency: The LX-165's ability to sail more autonomously and reduce engine usage in favorable wind conditions can lead to significant fuel savings over time.
4. Reliable: The FURUNO LX-165 is known for its robust design and reliable performance. It is built to withstand harsh marine conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
Disadvantages:1. Cost: The FURUNO LX-165 is a high-end, premium system, and the cost can be a significant barrier for many sailors. The price tag includes both the wind vane self-steering system and the furling propeller.
2. Complexity: The LX-165 is a complex system with numerous components, including sensors, a control unit, a wind vane, and a furling propeller. This complexity can make installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting more challenging than simpler systems.
3. Limited power output: Compared to traditional propellers, furling propellers offer less power output. This can make it more challenging to make headway in strong winds or heavy seas. However, the LX-165's wind vane steering can help compensate for the reduced power output.
Conclusion:The FURUNO LX-165 is a high-performance, self-steering system with a built-in furling propeller that offers several advantages for sailors, including enhanced autonomy, reduced workload, improved fuel efficiency, and reliable performance. However, it also comes with some disadvantages, such as a high cost, complexity, and limited power output. Ultimately, the decision to purchase an LX-165 depends on an individual sailor's specific needs, budget, and cruising style.
Recommendation:If you are looking for a high-performance, self-steering system that offers enhanced autonomy and reduced workload, the FURUNO LX-165 is an excellent option to consider. However, it is essential to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages and ensure that the cost fits within your budget. Additionally, consider whether the complexity of the system is worth the added benefits. If you are looking for a simpler, more cost-effective solution, there are other self-steering systems and furling propellers available on the market that may be better suited to your needs.
Facnor LX 165 furling drum, foils and parts.