This only applies to the Oceanis 35.1 and 35. I'm not sure which years besides my 2018 35.1.
To reduce cost, Beneteau installed "Low Friction Front" boom end fittings, or "Friction" fittings. These fittings do not have sheaves (see attached). On the outboard boom end fitting, there is a central island for the topping lift to attach. In the middle of the space on either side of the island is a shoulder, thus defining four tracks. The problem is the outhaul line on the 35.1 has a diameter about the same as the width of the tracks. So when you pull on the outhaul line, as it makes the 180 degree turn, it flattens a bit and rubs against the sides of the track besides the inner aspect; this creates a ton of friction. You need to use a winch to unfurl the main sail. OK, maybe if you are a weight lifter you wouldn't need the winch. There is a video from Neil Pryde showing how to use a furling mast and main on a Oceanis 38 (normal end fitting). The demonstrator unfurls the sail by hand; at one point with one hand.
I put up with that nonsense for too long. I had a rigger replace the "Max Friction" outboard boom end fitting with a normal fitting with sheaves. The difference: I can unfurl the main sail by pulling the outhaul line with my hands. Same goes for furling. It takes a bit of effort, but I think that is due to the inboard boom end fitting being a simple ledge with no sheaves. I might replace that one, too, at some point, though this setup seems sufficient.
How many dollars did Beneteau save? The claim by Sparcraft that the "Friction" fittings reduce maintenance seems hollow.
To reduce cost, Beneteau installed "Low Friction Front" boom end fittings, or "Friction" fittings. These fittings do not have sheaves (see attached). On the outboard boom end fitting, there is a central island for the topping lift to attach. In the middle of the space on either side of the island is a shoulder, thus defining four tracks. The problem is the outhaul line on the 35.1 has a diameter about the same as the width of the tracks. So when you pull on the outhaul line, as it makes the 180 degree turn, it flattens a bit and rubs against the sides of the track besides the inner aspect; this creates a ton of friction. You need to use a winch to unfurl the main sail. OK, maybe if you are a weight lifter you wouldn't need the winch. There is a video from Neil Pryde showing how to use a furling mast and main on a Oceanis 38 (normal end fitting). The demonstrator unfurls the sail by hand; at one point with one hand.
I put up with that nonsense for too long. I had a rigger replace the "Max Friction" outboard boom end fitting with a normal fitting with sheaves. The difference: I can unfurl the main sail by pulling the outhaul line with my hands. Same goes for furling. It takes a bit of effort, but I think that is due to the inboard boom end fitting being a simple ledge with no sheaves. I might replace that one, too, at some point, though this setup seems sufficient.
How many dollars did Beneteau save? The claim by Sparcraft that the "Friction" fittings reduce maintenance seems hollow.
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