Since buying my 2003 Beneteau 393 last November, we've had only a few occasions to take her out. Until this week, we have had no problems either unfurling or furling the main. Now, though, it gets very difficult to do both. I've read the posts on this site, but have not found a solution. Here are the symptoms: 1. When furling, the main wrinkles horizontally as it goes in, causing some overlap of material. Doesn't start immediately, but gets worse as the main goes back into the mast. Again these wrinkles are horizontal, so I tried tightening the halyard when the sail was out. No help there. 2. I can, with difficulty (and using a winch), furl and unfurl when at the dock with little wind. With wind, it is tough to do. With wind pressure out in the water, almost impossible. 3. Tried different boom angles, raising and lowering with the topping lift. No joy. 4. I always use back pressure on the furling line when hauling out on the outhaul. Also use back pressure on the outhaul when furling. 5. The car on the boom does move. Not slick, but it does not seem to stick. 6. Looked at the furling line. Does not seem to be pinched in the roller. I don't think it has swelled in diameter, but that is just by looking at it. So, any ideas would be welcome. Thanks much, folks. Paul Perseverance
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Check the tracks
We have a B321 with a furling main. The mast has 2 tracks for the sail. We seem to get better furling if we put the sail in the right track since it furls counter clockwise. Our is a 2000 model. Give that a try.
We have a B321 with a furling main. The mast has 2 tracks for the sail. We seem to get better furling if we put the sail in the right track since it furls counter clockwise. Our is a 2000 model. Give that a try.
rfmainproblem
Flush the upper and lower bearing on the mast furler drum with water...really flush it good, then roll it back and forth and then flush it again. Also, flush the outhaul block bearings on the boom as well. After they dry you can use sailkote on the outhaul block which has delrin bearings if you wish and/or wd40 on the roller furler drum bearings which should be steel bearings on that model year. Also, make sure that you raise the sail with the sail directly into the wind, not the boat, which would place the boat slightly off the wind since the mainsail comes out of the mast slot at an angle. Good luck.
Flush the upper and lower bearing on the mast furler drum with water...really flush it good, then roll it back and forth and then flush it again. Also, flush the outhaul block bearings on the boom as well. After they dry you can use sailkote on the outhaul block which has delrin bearings if you wish and/or wd40 on the roller furler drum bearings which should be steel bearings on that model year. Also, make sure that you raise the sail with the sail directly into the wind, not the boat, which would place the boat slightly off the wind since the mainsail comes out of the mast slot at an angle. Good luck.
Furling
When I get the most wrinkles, it usually indicates that the halyard has stretched/loosened some. You said that you tightened it but how tight? I use gentle pressure on the furling furling winch to really get it tight. Cleaning and lubricating all the parts is a good idea but shouldn't have anything to do with wrinkling. Another possibility; is the sail stretched (blown out) because if you get major wrinkling with both the halyard and outhaul tight, something else is in play. You said that you have tried different positions with the topping lift, how about slack topping lift and tension on the vang? I replaced my furling and outhaul lines when they were about 5 years old even though they looked ok. It turned out the PO had installed lines that were actually slightly larger in diameter that those specified. It made a huge difference on the ease of deploying and furling although I still doubt that that will have anything to do with the wrinkling. Good Luck
When I get the most wrinkles, it usually indicates that the halyard has stretched/loosened some. You said that you tightened it but how tight? I use gentle pressure on the furling furling winch to really get it tight. Cleaning and lubricating all the parts is a good idea but shouldn't have anything to do with wrinkling. Another possibility; is the sail stretched (blown out) because if you get major wrinkling with both the halyard and outhaul tight, something else is in play. You said that you have tried different positions with the topping lift, how about slack topping lift and tension on the vang? I replaced my furling and outhaul lines when they were about 5 years old even though they looked ok. It turned out the PO had installed lines that were actually slightly larger in diameter that those specified. It made a huge difference on the ease of deploying and furling although I still doubt that that will have anything to do with the wrinkling. Good Luck
Halyard tension
Halyard tension is critical. You may have to tinker with it to get it right but have it too tight and it will bind. Too loose and it will allow the sail to bunch up and also bind. If you're getting wrinkles in the mainsail I suspect it's still too loose. Also make sure you have both clutches for the outhaul and furler fully released. There's a position when you first release them that can still have some drag on the lines. Flip them back as far as they'll go. As for the car on the boom top. Even if it moves still lube it with an appropriate sail track spray lube. Don't use a grease or you'll end up with a mess on top of and inside the track the car rides in. The unit should furl/unfurl without needing to grind on it as hard as you are. Check everything suggested, it may be a combination of things. Good luck Mike
Halyard tension is critical. You may have to tinker with it to get it right but have it too tight and it will bind. Too loose and it will allow the sail to bunch up and also bind. If you're getting wrinkles in the mainsail I suspect it's still too loose. Also make sure you have both clutches for the outhaul and furler fully released. There's a position when you first release them that can still have some drag on the lines. Flip them back as far as they'll go. As for the car on the boom top. Even if it moves still lube it with an appropriate sail track spray lube. Don't use a grease or you'll end up with a mess on top of and inside the track the car rides in. The unit should furl/unfurl without needing to grind on it as hard as you are. Check everything suggested, it may be a combination of things. Good luck Mike
I wrote a long, detailed treatise
on this subject about three or four years ago. It may still be in the archives.
on this subject about three or four years ago. It may still be in the archives.
Halyard tension
My guess is the halyard tension is too tight. Eye up the 393 mast, you'll a good bend. When you over tighten, the roll is fighting against the bend in the mast and binding. Not ruling out the block need cleaning as suggested below but you'll know that real quick by going up to the mast and pulling on your furling line.
My guess is the halyard tension is too tight. Eye up the 393 mast, you'll a good bend. When you over tighten, the roll is fighting against the bend in the mast and binding. Not ruling out the block need cleaning as suggested below but you'll know that real quick by going up to the mast and pulling on your furling line.
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