Difficulty changing furling headsail

[Sam Salter]

I had the same problem a couple of seasons ago.
(I have a Pro-Furl)

Was about ready to replace the furler when I noticed a little slack in the clearance between the top swivel and the foil.
Wasn't much, but could potentially "cock" the swivel out of axial alignment when load was put on the halyard.
So took a risk and invested $300 in a new swivel instead of $1,200 in a new furler.

Solved the problem!
I can now raise my 135% by hand right to the top of the foil.

Sam

 

[Anonymous 121765]

YVR,

I hear ya guy, I originally had three headsails & one club sail. The club sail is knife-like but, it didn't work well above a 135 ginney.

It's a blast running different size sails. I do remember that it only takes a small amount of friction load waving from wind to make it harder to raise a sail. I don't like to use a lubricant as over time, it can also cause a buildup residue as witnessed when I tried this on my mainsail track some years back.

I also use a little trick when furling my headsail in light to medium winds. I turn downwind on a broad reach & let my main traveler line all the way out to where the boom is close to my aft lower shroud. I can then furl it up uniformly "soft" without any bad wraps. This works well with my 155. This way, there is no hard pulling to furl the sail, it's real easy.

If I'm in heavier winds & having to furl with tight wraps, back at the dock or the next day, I unfurl the sail & do a "soft" wrap. That way, I don't put stretch areas in the cloth or stress on the stitching. It also allows for the sail to breathe abit & gets rid of moisture & can stop mildew.

CR

 

[bffatcat]

stubborn hoisting furler

I had a CDI on my boat It was always difficult to hoist and changing sails was a bear I finnally gave up on the CDI and got a new harken. What a difference Hoisting iis easy very little pulling sticking ect. I can change jibs now almost as fast as I did with a hank on. Let me add
Im 77 and I had back surgery 3 years ago

 

[knot smart]

Being only a 3yr newbie, I don't have a large selection of sails like some others. I just have a 140 Ginny and when it starts blowing hard I just roll it up a bit.. I'm well aware that doing so compromises optimal shape but I'm content, I don't race and if it takes me a little longer to get where I'm going, that's just fine.. I'm still sailing(drink in hand)

 

[joker460]

I haven't seen this possibility posted here yet.

I don't know how old your boat is but I had a problem raising my 150 genoa and found that the sheave at the top of the mast had split. It's only plastic and had outlived its time. Replacing it made a big difference.

 

[knot smart]

I had the same problem a couple of seasons ago.
(I have a Pro-Furl)

Was about ready to replace the furler when I noticed a little slack in the clearance between the top swivel and the foil.
Wasn't much, but could potentially "cock" the swivel out of axial alignment when load was put on the halyard.
So took a risk and invested $300 in a new swivel instead of $1,200 in a new furler.

Solved the problem!
I can now raise my 135% by hand right to the top of the foil.

Sam

I have the same exact issue with my Pro-furl currently..it raises up with no problem, and during the season it somehow gets cocked, last season I had to have someone winch me up with a harness so I could clock the swivel back into the groove and then the sail slides down very easy.. $300 for a new swivel?. Sounds like a project for next year.. this year it's a new linear drive autopilot..

 

[joker460]

@knot smart

There are 2 bushings in the profurl swivel. These bushings wear. They can be easily replaced. Call Profurl and they can give you the part number. They don't sell direct but they will let you you know of a local distributor from which you can order.
I replaced mine back in 2010 and only cost $10 for a set.

 

[knot smart]

@knot smart

There are 2 bushings in the profurl swivel. These bushings wear. They can be easily replaced. Call Profurl and they can give you the part number. They don't sell direct but they will let you you know of a local distributor from which you can order.
I replaced mine back in 2010 and only cost $10 for a set.

Thanks joker.. I saved that pic .. I really appreciate the info.. god I love this forum!