Here is a tale that may assist other Catalina 315 sailors who are having mainsail furling problems.
Our year-old mainsail always was difficult to furl... it would not enter the mast smoothly. It would bind at the clew, requiring someone to go up to the mast to try to force the first inch into the mast channel. Our rigger even made us a special tool to shove the clew into the mast.
However, it turns out that our 315 was shipped with a main halyard clutch that was too large. This allowed the sail to droop slightly... it was imperceptible but enough to prevent the sail from furling. And we know of at least one other 315 shipped with a clutch that is too large.
Spinlock offers the clutch in two sizes: model XAS0406 fits 5/32" to 5/16" (4-8mm) line while model XAS0612 fits 1/4" to 1/2" (6-12mm) line. The 315 needs the 5/16" clutch, but the factory seems to ship the mast with the 1/2" clutch. The only way to tell which one you have is to open the clutch and look at the size stamped inside under the halyard.
Since our clutch has been replaced, we have had no problems furling the mainsail... no more drooping!
Good luck and happy sailing to all.
Our year-old mainsail always was difficult to furl... it would not enter the mast smoothly. It would bind at the clew, requiring someone to go up to the mast to try to force the first inch into the mast channel. Our rigger even made us a special tool to shove the clew into the mast.
However, it turns out that our 315 was shipped with a main halyard clutch that was too large. This allowed the sail to droop slightly... it was imperceptible but enough to prevent the sail from furling. And we know of at least one other 315 shipped with a clutch that is too large.
Spinlock offers the clutch in two sizes: model XAS0406 fits 5/32" to 5/16" (4-8mm) line while model XAS0612 fits 1/4" to 1/2" (6-12mm) line. The 315 needs the 5/16" clutch, but the factory seems to ship the mast with the 1/2" clutch. The only way to tell which one you have is to open the clutch and look at the size stamped inside under the halyard.
Since our clutch has been replaced, we have had no problems furling the mainsail... no more drooping!
Good luck and happy sailing to all.
