CDI furler problem

[John]

My new to me 83 Catalina TR is ready to go but I can't get the CDI reefer 7 furler figured out. I spoke to CDI and they said to pull hard on the light line. Nothing happens and I am avoiding going to the top of the mast to see what's going on. Can anyone help?

 

[R. Hodge]

furler problem

First thing make sure the line coming from the furling drum is not cleated anywhere. Also uncleat both jib sheets. If all these lines aren't free you will just be pulling against them. To unfurl the sail you'll want to pull on the leeward jib sheet. You pull on the line coming from the furler drum to roll it back up.If that's not the problem look at the top of the furler and make sure it's not hung on a halyard. When I first got my 86TR the spinnaker halyard was wrapped around the top swivel (it's a Hood) and wouldn't budge.Good Luck,Ron

 

[John]

Response to Ron

Thanks Ron I'm trying to put the genoa on for the first time. I am relatively certain that there are no twists between the thin line and the wire halyard which is tied off to the bow pulpit. When I pull on the line the wire halyard doesn't move and nothing happens at all. John

 

[Gary Clarke]

Are you well wrapped ?

John, The furler works like a window shade...one line( jib sheet) unrolls it. And one sheet ( light line from can at base of furler) rolls it back up.....they work to roll clockwise.....and then counter, clockwise....Look into the can where the light line goes. when the sail is furled there should be one or two turns around the drum. When you pull out the jib sheet, it will reel in your light line, and now with the jib out there should be 20 or so turns on the drum.You can not pull both lines simaltaneously. If you held a jib sheet in one hand and the light line in the other....when you pull on the jib sheet the light line will roll up on the drum.....when you pull on the light line....the jib sheet will pull away from you as the jib rolls up....Check that drum. It sounds like there are no windings on the light line, so your not turning the drum when you pull the light line. Sounds confusing....not really think about it.