I'm having an issue with my line drive unit where the "basket" around the drum begins to rub against the top of the drum (swivel top). This in turn causes enough friction to prevent furling the headsail using the line. The basket appears to be held in position with a screw that tightens a friction collar, however even loosening the screw the basket is exceedingly difficult to move. Even when I'm able to get it inched low enough to prevent friction, after using the headsail once or twice it begins to rub again. Does anyone here know how to fix this issue?
Hood Seafurl 800 "Basket" Rubbing..
- Thread starter Famos_Amos
- Start date
I've done a re-build on this one myself, so...
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2009/09/hood-seafurl-800-bearing-replacement.html
My gut feeliing is that you have a bearing failure. The balls simply wear down and then start breaking. The other possibility is that one of the snap rings has been pushed out of its groove (often caused by bearing failure).
Either way, you need to take the furler off and home to the shop for repairs, which are not too difficult. My blog post explains the how of it. You do NOT have to take the mast down, just brace it well with a pair of halyards (you will have to disconnect the lower end of the forestay). While you are at it, replace all of the bearings and the races.
The good news is that the the fix should be long-term. I serviced mine 6 years ago and it is still smooth as glass.
