Furler line selection

[dlochner]

The sail is wrapping around the furler nicely as long as I put some resistance on the sheet.

This is normal and a good thing.

I suspect the overall resistance has to do with the weight of the sail and/or bearings of the furler. There appears to be no more binding. The resistance is consistant

These are possibilities. The bearings could be worn or dirty. A new sail or one with a foam luff can be difficult to roll for the first couple of turns until the foam is rolled up. This is due to the stiffness added by the foam. My new laminate sail was a bear to furl until I let it get beat up a bit, then it got easier. Sometimes you just have to beat these things into submission.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

This is normal and a good thing.



These are possibilities. The bearings could be worn or dirty. A new sail or one with a foam luff can be difficult to roll for the first couple of turns until the foam is rolled up. This is due to the stiffness added by the foam. My new laminate sail was a bear to furl until I let it get beat up a bit, then it got easier. Sometimes you just have to beat these things into submission.

It does have foam and I agree that it's hardest when you first start to furl or unfurl.

Sometimes things fight back!

 

[jssailem]

My Furler calls for liquid soap and water to flush dirt from the delrin bearings. This improves their movement and reduced friction.

 

[jssailem]

I would not think tension on your halyard would cause an issue on your bearings. Adequate tension on your forestay is important for the extrusion to rotate smoothly.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

The new sheave was a perfect fit. I printed it out of PETG-CF (carbon fiber embedded). To smooth out the layers, I put a bolt through it, tightened it down, put it in a drill and took some 240 grit sandpaper to it. Two minutes later it was fairly smooth.

We went out last night and the admiral was shocked at how much easier it was. She said she didn't have to put the sheet on the winch when unfurling the sail. I think there's still room for improvement but this is a huge step forward!

I have the backstay adjuster set about half way at the moment. I can play around with that. I definitely think that the stanchion blocks could benefit from some lube. I also replaced the severely worn plastic fairlead with a metal eyestrap on the camcleat. This likely reduced friction.

With no load, the bearings spun fine but we all know how that changes once loaded. Soap and water might be a good idea

 

[Tally Ho]

How tight is your halyard? My buddy has trouble with his furler if he has the halyard too tight. Seems to bind up the drum a bit.


Greg

 

[Project_Mayhem]

It's actually smooth now. There's resistance but it's very consistent. I think it was primarily halyard wrap with a bit too much tension

 

[Project_Mayhem]

We took the boat out last night. It's soooo much easier to pull the genoa out and it's completely smooth. Other than washing the furler bearings and lubing the sheaves, I think this issue has been resolved. Thanks to everyone for your help, knowledge and advice!