How to splice roller furl line

[UnderDog]

I needed to replace the roller furl line on my 25.5 How do I splice this line together so that it is one continuous line?My thought is to expose a few inches of core cord at each end, cut 3 inches of core material off of each end, then melt them together, then re-weave the outer portion (now overlaping by 3 inches at each end) back into the opposite end. Then wind some string around the whole mess and tie, then tape up the thing.Is there a kit or something to help? Or do I need to read splicing for dummies or something?Thanks.

 

[Michael Bell]

My thoughts

I don’t think melting the cord ends together would be to good. I’m sure that would result in a stiff, yet brittle section of line. I know it’s possible to splice that sort of line because you see eye’s spliced in the ends. I would think you could do a short splice as well. There are a ton of books out there that explain the technique- but you may find some internet sites that show how to splice as well. Good luck.

 

[crazy dave]

Me bet you havem hood system

I suspect you have a continuous furling line in a Hood system. Yes there is a special tool and simple instructions. Call Seldon Masts in Charleston, SC and pay for the fid along with instructions. It is well worth the cost. You will also need to purchase a big needle and thread for this too. I am not sure if that little package will contiain that. Explain to them that you are trying to splice a continous line and you heard of a package with a specail fid with instructions. Good luckCrazy Dave Condon

 

[ALAN KIBBE]

Try www.neropes.com

for instructions

 

[John Dodge]

I just did mine

I used the waxed whipping cord #6 and sewed the ends together going zig zag back and forth many many times. then tested by giving a good tug and pull with my arms making certain it would hold. I taped it sparingly and sprayed the area with dry lube and it went right thru.Good luck.

 

[Steve O.]

Want the truth?

An end-to-end splice is difficult to do unless you have experience and do them all the time. Not impossible, just difficult. If you want to save yourself some aggravation, order a pre-spliced line from Hood or West Marine, and use the time you save to go sailing. You can install the new line by attaching a halyard securely to the bow, unshackling the Hood furler and installing the line on the drum, and re-assembling.

 

[UnderDog]

Thanks for the replys

Thanks for the responses. www.neropes.com has some "simple" instructions for continuous diameter end-to-end splice. I still need the Fid tool, whatever that is. And melting the ends together is not an option for now obvious reasons.Yes, I have the hood system.Funny, I hadn't thought about just removing the system from the halyard and installing it on the roller, then put everything back. My local defender's has a guy that does splicing (outsourced) so I might just take the line there and have it done. But it would be fun to try the splice myself first.Thanks again, I'll let you know what I eventually end up doing.