furler problem

[John]

My boat a Catalina 30 tall rig and CDI Reefer 7 roller furling is new to me. I have the installation booklet and spoke to CDI several times. Hoisting the genoa is next to impossible. I had to tie the messenger line (1/8"?) to a screwdriver and wearing gloves was unable to hoist the genoa. Only by leading the thin messenger line to a winch, with a friend's help, and doing the screwdriver thing was I able to get the sail up. I cleaned and lubed both tracks, and make sure there were no twists beforehand. The wire halyard is free and appears to go over the pulley at the top of the mast. Do I have to get a rigger? CDI said they can't help me anymore. The installation book isn't much help. Any help would be appreciated as I want to sail my boat.

 

[Tom Speitel]

Could it be the sheave?

I had trouble raising sails on my 1992 Catalina 28. It turns out the sheaves at the top of the mast are some sort of plastic or rubber, and the halyards scored through them over the years. I replaced (actually the rigger did it) them with aluminum sheaves and everything works smoothly now.

 

[Larry W.]

furler

John; Lower the sail and attach a rag and a downhaul to the halyard. Soak the rag is McLube or some other dry lube stuff and run it up and down a few times. Lube up the headboard of the sail real good and try again. If still no go, the halyard might have jumped the sheave at the top of the mast, or the sheave is old/worn/jammed/needs a new axle. It's a good idea to check it thoroughly before you hit the water to avoid an unpleasant surprise at the worst possible time. Good luck.Try raising the sail on a spare halyard, if you have one.