I am having some difficulty with the z spar in mast furling main on my 2004 Beneteau 331. The sail is fairly difficult to furl and unfurl. I usually need to use the winch. Not impossible by hand but extremely difficult. I lossen the main sheet and vang as suggested, but this only helps a little. I do not beleive I had this much difficulty when the boat was new --although by the end of last seaon the problem was evident. Does this sound normal or should i be able to furl and unfurl w/o a winch?
In Mast Furling
- Thread starter James Hill
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Boom tilt
Is your boom tilted up about 5 degrees. I notice with mind the closer the boom got to level the harder it became to furl the sail. If the boom is level the sail bunches and the bottom seam rolls onto it self making the sail very thick in spots.
Is your boom tilted up about 5 degrees. I notice with mind the closer the boom got to level the harder it became to furl the sail. If the boom is level the sail bunches and the bottom seam rolls onto it self making the sail very thick in spots.
I'm curious to know if in mast furling is really worth the added expence, reduced performance, and increased risk of failure over conventional mains. I keep asking myself, what on earth would anyone do if the main wouldn't furl and the wind was building. How would you handle docking or mooring with the main still up?
Lower it
What would happen with a nonfurling sail if you went you lower it only to find the halyard or carts had jamed at the top. With furling you have two options furl it of lower it.
What would happen with a nonfurling sail if you went you lower it only to find the halyard or carts had jamed at the top. With furling you have two options furl it of lower it.
Tilt
I've found that I need to keep my beam as close to level as possible, otherwize the sail doesn't go in straight and I don't get it all in before I run out of line. It also seems to unfurl better this way. As for using the winch...yep...every time. Can't do it without it and even with the winch at times it's hard depending on the wind.
I've found that I need to keep my beam as close to level as possible, otherwize the sail doesn't go in straight and I don't get it all in before I run out of line. It also seems to unfurl better this way. As for using the winch...yep...every time. Can't do it without it and even with the winch at times it's hard depending on the wind.
JJ, loosen the boom vang, and main sheet....
that will allow the pulling out forces to be more parallel to the boom. I had the same problem and this worked for me.... alot simpler then tunning your mast. I think this is what Bill has in mind. abe
that will allow the pulling out forces to be more parallel to the boom. I had the same problem and this worked for me.... alot simpler then tunning your mast. I think this is what Bill has in mind. abe
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