Why is there silicone in my furler?

[Project_Mayhem]

When I pulled apart the extrusions of my hood furler, I found that someone or maybe Catalina had used silicone sealant when they put the extruded pieces together. Anyone know why? The only reason I could think of is to reduce noise. It was a bear to get apart

 

[jssailem]

These supplies are required to assemble the Harken furler.
5200 is recommended for the foil connections. Perhaps Hood suggested something else.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

5200?! Now you're in torch territory for disassembly! My last hood furler didn't have any goop inside of it

 

[jssailem]

Furlers are a dealer option provided as an add on to enhance dealer profits. Dealers can offer various products to meet the buyers desires. There are various ways to install. Since the furler extrusions are not expected to be a service item, 5200 is not an unusual choice. When the furler extrusion is damaged, you need to question if the forestay has been damaged. This usually involves mast removal. The damaged part is removed and a new measured piece is inserted.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Hood furlers require full disassembly to replace the forestay. The plastic spacers inside eventually disintegrate as well so they need to be taken apart every 10-20 years. I think I had mine pulled apart in 1.5-2 hours. I'm adamant about making things serviceable in the future

 

[jssailem]

I'm adamant about making things serviceable in the future

Perhaps that is why one of the previous owners used silicone to seal your furler. Not a lot of choices. Perhaps 4200 will work, more caulk less adhesive.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Perhaps that is why one of the previous owners used silicone to seal your furler. Not a lot of choices. Perhaps 4200 will work, more caulk less adhesive.

It was a huge pain to get them apart. Any idea why was it used in the first place?

 

[jssailem]

The foil extrusion’s need to react as a solid single piece as torque is applied to one end. The caulk/adhesive helps this happen and limits water entering the foil.