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Electric Furler from Facnor - latching on the trend of boat electrification

by Anna Zyk 11 Oct 2023 09:00 PDT
Electric Furler © Facnor

The sailing world is undergoing a sea change, embracing the power of electrification for unparalleled ease and convenience, especially for older crews and solo sailors.

Electric systems are revolutionising boats, from lithium-ion battery improvements to automation in rigging systems. Electric furlers for headsails are now common, making sail handling more effortless than ever.

Electric furlers riding the electrification wave

Boats of all sizes are getting electrified, with electric winches and furling systems leading the charge. Electric and hydraulic motorized furlers have been a staple for larger boats for decades, offering a reliable solution when dealing with oversized sails in challenging conditions. These innovations are essential to maintaining sail integrity in high winds.

Facnor FXE Electric Furler: Setting Sail into the Future

In 2022, Facnor made waves at the METS Boatshow in Amsterdam with the introduction of the Facnor FXE 4500 electric furler. Although they joined the electric furler revolution later than some competitors, they've made a significant impact with their innovative approach. Facnor now offers two models - the FXE 4500 and FXE 7000, designed for Code Sails up to 250 M".

Exploring the Facnor FXE range: Compact Powerhouse

The FXE 4500 isn't your typical electric furler; it's a compact powerhouse that seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with simplicity. Let's delve into its key features and benefits:

  • Streamlined Design: A compact, lightweight build (FXE 4500 weighs only 4 kg) with a protective cover featuring a robust carry handle for effortless manoeuvring.
  • Waterproof Perfection: Fully waterproof electric connection for swift and straightforward installation and removal from the bowsprit.
  • Seamless Transition: Identical jaw design to the FX+4500 manual furler makes switching from manual to electric easy.
  • Control in Your Hands: Choose between wired or wireless controllers for added convenience.
  • Complete Kit: The package includes a relay box, circuit breaker, 7-meter wire, deck plugging, and a storage bag.

Electrifying Your Sailing Experience

The Facnor FXE Code Zero electric furler offers several distinct advantages. While the FXE 4500 boasts impressive speed, it's essential to understand that furling speed may be slightly reduced under load, approximately 20%. However, with top-down adapters available, it's essential to note that electric furlers are not recommended for top-down furling, where speed is paramount. This electric furler consumes only 30-35 Ah under load, available in both 12 and 24 Volts for flexibility, which makes it great in power efficiency.

This electric furler from Facnor is another game-changer in the world of electrified furling. Its ease of use and installation, together with its compact design, make it a great choice for sailors looking to harness the power of electrification at sea.

Unlocking the Power of Electrification

Many retiring sailors find that opting for electric winches and furling systems serves a practical, performance-driven purposes. As age comes it becomes more difficult to handle some of the strength requiring tasks. These electric systems can have a substantial impact, allowing you to enjoy sailing longer in one's life with more ease.

The growing popularity of electric winches and furling systems extends beyond headsail, encompassing mainsail furlers and light-air sails. With modern boats now equipped with larger batteries and supplementary power sources such as solar panels, the electrical capacity to accommodate these systems is readily available. The sailing world is fully embracing electrification, with powered furlers leading the charge.

You can now buy the latest Facnor FXe 4500 and FXe7000 electric furlers and radio control unit in our shop! Click the link below to see the range:

See the range

If you have any questions about Facnor FXe electric furler or need help choosing one of the products on our website, please feel free to email us at to talk to one of our experts.

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