In mast 'piece of crap' furling system

[Tally Ho]

I have tried everything suggestion in forums except to buy a new sail which I hesitate to do unless I am a guaranteed that it would solve the unfurling problems. Quite frankly, I think the design is crap and I am thinking that the only solution is to sell the GD boat and buy a power boat because that is to which this system reduces me. I am sick of sailing with a 1/4 main and jib. Is there anyone out there that has successfully stopped the main from binding when unfurling? It normally takes two or three hours to get the main out of the mast. I am personally challenging the designer of this crap system or someone from Hunter to provide a solution. Go ahead prove me wrong! Major problem is that the sail binds trying to get it out of the mast. I usually unfurl the main by hand pulling on the sail. Yes, we keep tension on the outhaul when furling and do so very slowly. Yes, I have tried, in desperation, spraying the sail with WD40 as a suggestion from the forum. Yes, I have experimented with different boom angles. Yes, I have taken all bend out of the mast. Yes, I keep tension on the furling line when applying tension to the outhaul.
Second, the furling jumps or misses the groves on the furling post.
I had just minor problem unfurling until I had the boat re-rigged supposedly to Hunter specs. I have had nothing but problems ever since. It is total BS to have to go up the mast and push the bulge back into the track then pull out another wrap and repeat. Tonight, I am crossing the Sea of Cortez likely under diesel power because a 1/4 main just won't do. Please help save a polite, mild mannered Canadian from creating random acts of power boating!

You are obviously frustrated and fed up with that #$*)’jxzet boat.

My offer is to trade you for my O’Day 322, with a new North Sail fully battened main sail, with Tides Marine Strong track…and a Mack Pack…so trouble raising, lowering or storing the main.

She also has a brand new 135 Genoa from North…hasn’t been bent on yet…still fresh in the bag (but I am itching to get my boat in the water!).

My gift to you, as a fellow sailor. I just can’t stand to see someone so unhappy.

Let me know

Greg

PS…I hope you get it figured out…I really do hate to see a fellow sailor so frustrated.

 

[tkwhalen]

I struggled with mine for a couple of years doing all the suggested adjustments. Recut my sail then bought a new sail (really was needed any way) and in the end my top swivel was bad. During the whole process I was told several times that the top swivel never goes bad so I ignored it. I changed it out last year when I couldn't think of anything else and everything has been great ever since.

Just a thought on one more place to look.

 

[Zencra]

too much prebend when set up?

 

[Zencra]

you will know by the shape of your sail if that is the issue, if it's too full you might have to at least have it recut.

 

[Patrikh]

Have look at this video about mast adjustments.

 

[Valerio]

Was the same for me, untill the new main arrived the old one was too bagghy it was a nightmare

 

[BW1973]

My 2001 Hunter 340 began to experience problems rolling the main in and out. You have to be just about perfect, in irons and with the sail rolling out and back in about 10-15 degrees off center line to starboard. I think the outhaul car is about 3-4 feet to far forward and there is not enough pressure aft vs pressure downward on the aft end of the sail.

Any thoughts?

The Main is the original sail from when we bought the boat in May 2001. The main is the UK original sail with 1 or two minor repairs and annual cleaning. I'd like to replace the sail. Hunter Owners.com recommends Doyle. About $3800 with the inevitable price increases on the way. I am wary of doing the measurements myself when filling out Doyle's form.

Any experiences with Doyle? Other sail makers? Is UK still in business? I've been lucky with UK products. Hunter is closed and gone. We sail the NJ coast and Barnegat Bay. We like the boat.

 

[gfrazzle]

The only thing I can add is that a couple of 41D owners removed the battens entirely which they said solved the problem with "little" effect on the sail shape. Maybe a last ditch before you throw the whole system overboard......or join the stinkpotter club. Easy to reinstall if it doesn't help.

 

[jssailem]

I would discuss the issue with a local sail loft and clarify the issue with the sailmaker. This will not be the first time they have heard about issues like yours. They can steer you towards a good solution.

 

[JamesG161]

My 2001 Hunter 340 began to experience problems rolling the main in and out.

My guess is your sail has stretched and become "Baggy" along the Foot of the Sail

Jim...

PS: pictures might help us

 

[dlochner]

A 25 year old sail doesn't owe you anything, it is well past its prime. When the sail gets baggy and stretched it won't roll properly on the furler, causing it to jam. A new sail is the solution. $3800 seems to be about the right price for a sail from a major loft.

 

[Boiler]

I had the same problem prior to getting new sails. With the furler on the mast in free wheel, use the unfurling side of the endless line side of the furling line to unfurl the sail while simultaneously using the outhaul line. This helped me get the wads out of the mast. Takes 2 people, but once you get in a rhythm you can get the main out fairly easily. Good luck the only true remedy is getting the sails modified or new sails.