2000 Hunter 340 Furlex

[sailcapt340]

I have just finished replacing all my lines on my 2000 340. Most were just getting to hard to the touch, so before one decided to break at the upper mast pulleys, I went ahead and replaced them all.
Actually, a very easy job of sewing the ends together and gently pulling the through.
The last line I am doing this weekend is the 300S Furlex line. I thought I had the manual from the Furlex System, but can't seem to find it.
Has anyone done this, and if so how is the line attached inside the drum? I'm thinking, it must have loop inside but how is it held to the drum?
Thanks for any help.

 

[Scott B]

http://www.seldenmast.com/files/1426855959/595-104-E.pdf

 

[Levin]

Sailcapt,

Good luck with this job, in addition to the PDF there are also a couple of U-Tube videos that can be helpful if you look up the model of the Furlex on Google. These can be very helpful to figure out taking the thing apart because it's not obvious by looking at it how it all goes together or where to start. As a word of warning there are a lot of small parts that want to fall in the water so take the time to figure out how to avoid this. I learned the hard way and had to order parts from Furlex to replace what fell (no chance of finding parts once the fall into San Diego's bay). Ultimately I tied string to everything before I took it apart the second time to make sure that if they dropped they were still attached to the boat.

Anyway good luck

Take care,
-Levin

 

[John T1594]

The Furlex 200S manual (see attached) describes the furling line inserted into the drum with a clip to hold it in place (p 21). If you follow the instructions on pages 47 & 48 on disassembling the furling drum for lubrication you should be able to get it all apart and back together without loosing any parts. That said, I never do this with the boat in the water, just in case something goes over the rail.

 

[sailcapt340]

Listening to my inner voice, Now I know why I saved the best for last.
As this line was simply, Oh Well, I've done all the others, why not complete the set. I think I will save this for the end of the season and do it while the boat is laid up for the winter. The line is fine and will make through this season.

I use a box with a cutout in the center to go over the winches when I grease and maintain them, so I don't loose any parts. I'll fashion the same type of arrangement for the furler. At least if I do drop something it will be in the parking lot, how far can it go.

As the lines go , my Topping Lift was by far the most needed. This line was very stiff and could almost stand up on its own. I may still go with a rigid vang, but for now, my topping lift line is good.
My suggestion to all would be, check your lines and start replacing them while you can splice and pull them through the mast and save yourself the climb and fishing lines through.
Thank you all for your input and guidance.

 

[Kermit]

You can hang an open umbrella upside down to catch falling parts. This would even help when on the hard. Things tend to bounce in odd directions and then blend in with the ground. Plus catching them first will save trips. (Not my origins idea. I saw it in a magazine.)

 

[sailcapt340]

Well I just finished replacing the Furler Line. It was a good day to it today, the weather was just right. There are only 4 screws, but they are tricky to get at, so being on land was the right place for this job, as suggested.
You will need a good size screw driver to open the catches that hold the two inner half together, but once opened they separate easily and allow you to access the retaining plate that holds the line to the drum. Then just remove the old line and secure the new line behind the plate (1 screw).
Snapping the two inner halfs back together requires a little bit of force so be careful with this part. It really is just a matter of realigning the parts and light cleaning of some dust and dirt that accumulates, then run your line back to the cockpit.
Mine had about 30 wraps of line on the drum itself, so count as you remove the old line to keep the same type of tension that you are used to, to open and furl your sail back up.
All in all, and easy enough job, but NOT over open water!