When sailors discuss furling systems, one name consistently comes up: Seldén. This Swedish manufacturer has shaped how we handle sails since the early 1970s, and their Furlex system remains the most sold roller furling system in the world.
A brief history of Seldén
Seldén started in Gothenburg, Sweden, where harsh Nordic sailing conditions demanded reliable equipment. The company introduced the Furlex in 1972, pioneering the modern roller furling system. Today, they produce everything from manual furlers to sophisticated electric systems, all engineered in Sweden and trusted by sailors worldwide.
Seldén Furlex: the standard for genoa furling
The Seldén Furlex system earned its reputation through smart engineering. Its patented torque absorption system distributes load evenly across the forestay, reducing stress on both the sail and the rig. The free turn function allows the drum to rotate independently, preventing line tangles that plague lesser systems.
What sets Furlex apart from competitors:
- Continuous luff groove - feeds sail smoothly without jamming at foil joints
- Anodized aluminum construction - resists corrosion in salt water environments
- Pre-assembled delivery - reduces installation time and potential errors
- Extensive size range - fits boats from 20 to 60 feet
Furlex Through Deck: cleaner installations
For sailors who want a flush deck appearance, Seldén offers the Furlex Through Deck variant. The drum mounts below deck level, leaving only the foil and sail visible. This setup works particularly well on performance cruisers where deck space matters and aesthetics count.
Going electric: Seldén Furlex Electric
Manual furling works fine for weekend sailing, but long-distance cruisers and shorthanded sailors often prefer electric systems. The Furlex Electric combines the proven Furlex design with a 48V motor that handles genoa furling at the push of a button.
The electric version includes automatic torque limiting, which protects the sail and system from overloading. This proves especially valuable in deteriorating conditions when you need to reef quickly without leaving the cockpit.
Code 0 and gennaker solutions
Modern cruising boats increasingly use Code 0 sails and asymmetric gennakers for light air performance. Seldén developed specific systems for these sails, which require top-down furling rather than the traditional bottom-up approach used for genoas.
Seldén CX for Code 0
The CX system handles Code 0 sails with areas up to 150 m². Its top-down furling design stores the sail neatly from the head, making deployment and retrieval straightforward.
Seldén GX for gennakers
Gennakers require different handling than Code 0 sails due to their fuller shape. The GX system uses an anti-torsion cable that prevents the sail from twisting during furling.
Electric Code 0 and gennaker systems: the CXe range
For ultimate convenience, Seldén produces electric versions of their Code 0 and gennaker furlers. The CXe range features a 2-speed drive system that furls quickly when conditions allow and provides more torque when needed.
- CXe - on-deck mounted electric Code 0 furler
- CXe Code 0 Through-Deck Electric - through-deck mounted for cleaner installation
- CXe Code 0 On-Deck Electric - optimized for asymmetric spinnakers
Choosing the right Seldén system
Boat size and forestay length - Seldén sizes their systems by forestay length and wire diameter. Check your boat specifications before ordering.
Sailing style - Coastal weekend sailors typically find manual systems sufficient. Offshore cruisers and racing sailors often prefer electric systems for quick sail changes.
Sail inventory - If you only use a genoa, a standard Furlex covers your needs. Boats with Code 0 sails or gennakers need additional dedicated furling systems.
Installation and maintenance
Seldén systems arrive pre-assembled to minimize installation complexity. Maintenance requirements stay modest. Annual inspection of bearings, occasional lubrication, and freshwater rinses after saltwater sailing keep Seldén systems running smoothly for decades.
Why sailors choose Seldén
Seldén furling systems cost more than some alternatives, but sailors keep buying them for good reasons. The engineering quality shows in smooth operation year after year. Spare parts remain available long after purchase. Whether you sail a 25-foot weekender or a 50-foot bluewater cruiser, Seldén builds a furling system that fits.
