Connecting top of CDI furler to mast

[Eric Riegner]

I just bought a used 1994 Hunter 26 with a CDI furler. At the top of the furler shroud there is a small circular dish-like piece that seats in a receptacle at the top of the mast near where the jib halyard comes out. I had some trouble getting the furler shroud to stay seated while raising the mast, but fixed that with some bungee cords to keep tension on it. My question--what keeps this furler shroud attached to the mast while sailing downwind, other that the tension on the side stays? It seems to me that in a strong wind on a run, the mast could move forward enough in a gust to pop the furler out of its receptacle, because there is nothing holding it in from above. If that happened, the mast would collapse backwards. Am I worrying needlessly? Is there a test or rule of thumb I can use to make sure the front stay is tight enough to prevent this? Or am I missing a piece that holds the top of the furler shroud to the mast?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The CDI system has it own internal halyard that runs up and down the backside of the furler and then thru the top cap and down the front to attach to the jib. When raised, you will tie the bottom of the halyard to the base generally a cleat on the side of the bottom drum and the jib to the front of the drum with a small line. As for the furler, ir encapsulates the forestay and simply rolls around it. I would suggest that you go on line and look at the instructional book which will help you to understand what and how it operates.

crazy dave condon

 

[Eric Riegner]

The CDI system has it own internal halyard that runs up and down the backside of the furler and then thru the top cap and down the front to attach to the jib. When raised, you will tie the bottom of the halyard to the base generally a cleat on the side of the bottom drum and the jib to the front of the drum with a small line. As for the furler, ir encapsulates the forestay and simply rolls around it. I would suggest that you go on line and look at the instructional book which will help you to understand what and how it operates.

crazy dave condon

Thanks Crazy Dave. What I was really concerned about was the connection between the forestay itself and the top of the mast. The forestay has a steel ball which sits in a notch. It appears to be held in place only by tension and gravity. This is in contrast to my old boat (south coast) which had a permanent connection. I was wondering how reliable this is and whether there is a potential for the ball to slip out of the notch on a run.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I too use to own a South Coast 22 and that was many years ago. I wish you could have seen me trying with my big pattuti trying to climb back on board without a boarding ladder with dog in hand as the dog would only go to the bathroom on dry terra cotta. That was a laugh.

You are describing what is commonly called a T ball connection and yes it does hold. When raising could be a challenge to keep that T Ball in place. There are black rubber plugs which can be purchased to insert into the hole once the T Ball is in place to insure it will stay in place while raising.

Phill Herring, do you all sell thos plugs for the T Ball fittings on the store site of this website?? Please advise this gentleman but if not, where to go. One place I do know but would rather wait till I hear from you. Many thanks for all your hard work and devotion from your crew and you to your customers.

crazy dave condon

 

[MrEd]

The pre-manufactured plugs are cheap and can be effective but have a persistent tendency to disappear. I have found that fashioning a wedge-shaped replacement from the plastic corks often used on wine bottles avoids that problem. Simply carving a portion of the cork to fit the space above the t-ball will get the job done. A few brands even use black "cork," making the cosmetics even nicer. A little experimentation can result in a nice snug, flush fit while retaining the ability to remove easily for inspection, etc. Thankfully, the wine doesn't have to be discarded in the process.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

great idea Mr. Ed. Related to the horse on TV? Har har. I bet you get alot of that. Well imagaine flying in the navy and going to VMI with my last name. I heard them all but laughed too.

crazy dave condon