411 Furler

Apr 3, 2010
33
Beneteau 411 Celebration and 260 Shotley and Punta Gorda
I have recently been having problems with my Jib furler, the jib halliard twists around the top section of the extrusion as I furl the sail then it releases and I carry on furling and it will catch again sometimes several times whilst furling. It looks as though the top black spacer at the top of the extrusion is twisting with the extrusion.
The jib furler is a factnor (french). Any ideas???
 
Nov 23, 2009
437
Beneteau Oceanis 361 Clipper --
I am not sure if I have understood your problem, but are you referring to halyard wrap? Two things to do. First some maintenance to the top swivel. Lift the dust cap, wash very very well with hot water and apply some McLube one drop to the ball bearing. Second, if you still have the same problem is to attach a halyard diverter at the mast so the angle of the halyard to the top swivel is such that prevents the halyard to get around the forestay.
Oh yes, the correct tension of the halyard is also important. Too much tension and prevents the swivel from turning properly.
 
Feb 8, 2014
1,300
Columbia 36 Muskegon
Having the top swivel all the way to the top of the extrusion helps a lot to prevent halyard wrap. If the sail isn't that long, a wire pendant between the sail and swivel is in order. If the swivel is all the way up, the halyard approaches at more of an angle and is less likely to wrap. If it wasn't doing it before, and now is with the same sail, the swivel needs some attention. Or as mentioned, maybe the halyard is too tight and preventing the swivel from turning, or not tight enough.
 
Apr 17, 2015
17
Beneteau 411 Celebration Falmouth
What ever you do don't force it!! Or be tempted to winch the furling system in. I have had the same problem with mine and ended up replacing the furling system. It could be the top swivel bearings but more than likely you will need a halyard diverter for a simple fix if it is not the bearings. I ended up with a birds nest in my forestay and the wire strands over a 4cm span ran in line instead of being woven. I will look for the pictures and post as soon as possible.
 
Apr 17, 2015
17
Beneteau 411 Celebration Falmouth
I can't find the photos but will look again tonight. I would suggest you get a rigger to go up and have a look or do it yourself. You cant tell if the forestry is damaged until your up at the top of the mast. But if it isn't damaged a halyard deflector will sort the issue out. Best of luck with the repair or modifications.
 
Apr 17, 2015
17
Beneteau 411 Celebration Falmouth
Does the furling system operate when you release tension on the halyard?
 
Apr 17, 2015
17
Beneteau 411 Celebration Falmouth
Yep really lucky!! I do not know how it was missed when I had her surveyed but have a new forestay and furling system now so all is good!!! I think the previous owner was using the electric halyard winch to pull in the furling system. What I have learnt from this is If it will not furl by hand then something is wrong!! A halyard deflecter will prevent this happening again!! All the best.