My 2000 Ben361 has inmast furling main and boom made by Chrleston Spars/Sparcraft. The Outhaul car rides in a slot in the boom and has four Torlon bars inside the boom slot to ease friction between the car and boom slot. Even with regular cleanig and lots of MacLube, the car hangs up frequently, especially if there is any pressure on the mainsail (e.g. not DDW). This occurs on both unfurling and furling. I've always followed the guidance about easing the main sheet and boom vang when deploying or furling, but that only helps marginally.
Sparcraft recommended two possible remedies:
A. a new "improved" outhaul car that uses 4 roller wheels (Torlon-like plastic material) which ride inside the existing boom slot and reportedly will greatly reduce the friction when unfurling/furling.
B. attaching a new External rail (3'-6'L ?) on top of the boom, with a newly designed roller-bearing car riding the rail on top to reduce friction. (This has Lewmar lable and is 5X more expensive than A).
Has anyone else had this or similar issues?
Have you tried either of these approaches? If so how well did it work?
What else might cure the problem?
Thanks
Pinch
Sparcraft recommended two possible remedies:
A. a new "improved" outhaul car that uses 4 roller wheels (Torlon-like plastic material) which ride inside the existing boom slot and reportedly will greatly reduce the friction when unfurling/furling.
B. attaching a new External rail (3'-6'L ?) on top of the boom, with a newly designed roller-bearing car riding the rail on top to reduce friction. (This has Lewmar lable and is 5X more expensive than A).
Has anyone else had this or similar issues?
Have you tried either of these approaches? If so how well did it work?
What else might cure the problem?
Thanks
Pinch