How to make a continuous furling line??

[Stephen Baltes]

My 2001 Hunter 320 came equipped with the in-mast furling main option, and the dealer installed a continuous line for the main furler. This is one of my favorite features on the boat, but after several years of use the splice is becoming weak so I need to have a plan for replacing the line in the near future. So my question is how to best make up this furler line?I'm sure splicing line is a skill I should probably learn, but are there easier alternatives? And does it even need to be a continuous line?Thanks for any suggestions . . .

 

[Steve O.]

splice

You can have a rigging shop make the splice if you can figure out how to install the line after its done. Or have a rigger come to the boat and make the splice, but that wouldn't be the cheapest way.

 

[Greg]

Not too hard

It's not too hard with the right tool.I found the concept of making this splice fascinating -- inserting double braided line inside of itself!Let me know if you decide to do it, and I will find the name of the tool I used.If it's for a roller furler, I can't imagine doing the splice off the boat.

 

[Paul Aubrecht]

This is what I did

I have a furling that required a continuous line.It broke while sailing.What I did was,take one end of the line,skin back the outside shield about 1 inch,then I took the other end and cut back the core the same.I then put the longer core end into the shorter core end and using a sail repair kit,sewed the Crap out of the junction.Then I taped the junction.Seems to work well so far.

 

[Les Andersen]

End to End Splice

Stephen,Directions for splice enclosed.Have fun.Less/v Mutual Fun

 

[Greg]

Get a fid made by this guy

If you are going to do this splice yourself, get/borrow a good fid. It's a must. I used one from Brion Toss and it worked well. When you get to the website, look for a "splicing kit." I think West Marine may have them as well.

 

[Steve B.]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks ya'll! I'll be ordering a fid and some line to practice on here at home so I can redo the line on the boat this spring. I'm reviewing the New England Ropes site to see which type line loons the easiest, and I need to double check the size line recommended for the furler.