Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Dynamic 40 Leaderboard

Replacing your Karver Furler Quick Release Spring Kit

by Phil Anniss 25 Jul 2020 01:00 PDT
A structural furler © Karver

The Karver range of furling units has come a long way in the last 10-15 years, with each aspect of the design seeing incremental improvements. Captive pins with quick release mechanisms are almost universal on furling drums and swivels these days and they too have seen considerable development.

The quick release mechanisms rely on small springs which can get damaged and require replacement. This article will outline the evolution of the Karver captive pin systems and help you identify the correct replacement spring kit for your Karver furler.

In the really early days (pre 2011) the jaw pin was held in place by a simple U-Clip.

The first range of Karver furlers used a traditional U-clip

Version 1

To improve speed and ease of release, Karver introduced this torsion spring system, encased in a yellow cap, which has become a key element of their design aesthetic.

These spring kits were introduced from 2011 and were standard on all Karver furlers until early 2018 and are the most common type in circulation. The release mechanism relies on a small string attached to the spring which is the easiest way to tell you have a V1 Spring kit.

Version 2

The Springs in the V1 quick release mechanism are prone to damage. In an effort to improve the robustness of the design, Karver introduced their V2 kits in 2018. This time they turned the plastic cap itself into a button, which moves in a vertical plane on a compression spring,

Version 3

Hot on the heels of the V2 comes the V3 design which is being introduced gradually over the next 6-9 month. This is a natural evolution of the V2 and rather than the whole plastic cap moving, the cap is fixed and they have added a central stainless button. This should again provide further improves to durability and reliability

These spring kits are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE or upgradable - you must have the correct spring kit for your furler. Therefore, when ordering a replacement, it is essential that you order the correct version. In general, furling units bought between 2011-2017 and have a yellow string-pull will be V1. Furlers bought between 2018-2020 where the plastic end cap moves vertically are V2 and ongoing, new units will be V3.

A KF 0.9 Furler with the V2 spring system

Spring kits are also sized according to the unit - so when ordering you need to know the size of your furler and the spring kit version. E.g. KF2 Spring Kit V1.

Finally, a very important point to note is that the latest 3:1 Quick Release Sheaves ALWAYS have a spring kit one size down from the furler. So a KF2 3:1 QR Sheave takes a KF1 Spring kit.

If you are still unsure of which Karver system you have or to enquire about any replacement parts, please contact us at support@upffront.com.

For our full range of Karver furling units, see Karver friction sheave.

Related Articles

USACE report highlights recreational fishing value
How valuable access to federally managed lakes resources are The 2024 Annual Report for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Natural Resources Management (NRM) program shows how valuable access to these federally managed resources are for recreational anglers. Posted today at 7:05 pm
EU delays retaliatory tariffs until Aug. 1
Canada and Mexico receive new tariff rates Yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von Leyen announced the European Union (EU) would further suspend its retaliatory tariffs - set to go into effect today - against American products, including recreational boats. Posted on 14 Jul
Gary Kolstad appointed to MPC Board of Directors
Kolstad holds a B.S. Degree from Montana Technological University in petroleum engineering Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced today the appointment of Gary Kolstad to the Board of Directors of the Company. Posted on 14 Jul
Correct Craft announces 2026 leadership transition
Following Bill Yeargin's earlier announcement that he will be stepping down as CEO Correct Craft announced its 2026 leadership transition plan today, following Bill Yeargin's earlier announcement that he will be stepping down as CEO on March 31, 2026. Posted on 14 Jul
ePropulsion eLite Long Shaft Electric Outboard
The newest iteration of its lightweight electric outboard Market leader in marine electric propulsion builds on success with the next generation of lightweight electric power options for small vessels. Posted on 14 Jul
Marine Auctions: Two Online Auctions in July
Also Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region Marine Auctions are proud to announce that Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region in South Australia. Jacob is a local Commerical Fisherman. Posted on 12 Jul
The launch of new TracMount TieDown system
Designed to secure one-inch webbing straps, bungee cords or paracord RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, announced today the launch of its new TracMount TieDown system. Posted on 11 Jul
2025 Model Year Dealer Award recipients announced
Recognised for exceptional sales and customer service achievements Sailfish Boats is pleased to announce its 2025 Model Year award winners for exceptional sales and customer service achievements. Posted on 11 Jul
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control. Posted on 11 Jul
New tariff announcements continue
Brazil and Copper imports face 50% tariff Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced additional plans to impose new tariff rates on imports from several countries, including Brazil and the Philippines. Posted on 10 Jul
Selden 2020 - FOOTERRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERMaritimo S Series