Just sailed my newly purchased used 2011 26M for the first time. I previously owned a Hunter and a island packet and have lots of sailing experience. The boat handled extremely well in some pretty stiff winds and large waves in buzzards bay and I am very pleased with its capability. A big problem is the size of the furling lines for both the large jib and the boom furling main. They are string size and really hurt your hands and are hard to grip when trying to reef or just normal sheet tightening. I think I need to replace these lines but am worried the spool furler won't accommodate a larger diameter (not enough room). Has anyone replaced their lines with larger lines and if so how big.
Furling lines
- Thread starter maraist
- Start date
Greetings Maraist. We do have some power-sailors on this site so hopefully you'll get some useful information here. If not you may have better luck at http://www.macgregorsailors.com/index.php .
It can be done by de-coring some or all of the section of line that winds onto the drum.
I dont know about the main but its likely you have a Flexible Furler FF2 - you can get the manual here http://www.sailcdi.com/products/flexible-furlers/5-ff2 If thats the furler you have, I think the manual says 5/32 or 3/16 line. That does sound a little hard on the hands..
I tried decoring line for my FF2 but it was still too much for the drum. 
You might get some slightly larger line that will work if you decore it, but it might not be enough to make it worth it.
You might get some slightly larger line that will work if you decore it, but it might not be enough to make it worth it.
I've had WM de-core my last two furling lings and this has worked out in outstanding fashion....be sure and give them the boat size, etc. makes it much easier to furl the headsail in heavier winds. Pat
Instead of de coring.... purchase a 5/16 line and strip the cover off the core only section that will be inside the drum... that will leave the handled and cleated part full size.... the core will be 3/16.
You can also go the other way... purchase a 3/16 furling line and cover it with a 5/16 sheath. You will need to perform a "bury" splice.. or "taper" splice... to blend the cover into the core.... A very easy splice that requires minimum tools.
You can also go the other way... purchase a 3/16 furling line and cover it with a 5/16 sheath. You will need to perform a "bury" splice.. or "taper" splice... to blend the cover into the core.... A very easy splice that requires minimum tools.