Jib Furler / Forestay Problem

[Earendil]

Two unrelated problems concerning the Jib Furler and Forestay on a (newly acquired) O'Day23:

1) Just launched last week and am having problems rigging the jib. It seems to jam about 2/3 way up. The jib halyard alone runs cleanly through the length of the foil, but the sail keeps getting stuck. Even the PO came to assist, but to no avail. Any suggestions?

2) I also noticed the Jib Furler seems to be improperly attached. The furler drum opens 90-degrees to port (rather than due aft), which means the furler line rubs against the edge of the drum opening. I think the bottom of jib furler simply needs to be unhooked, moved an inch or so, and reattached to a different position on the bow. But the jib furler also seems to be the forestay.

Is there a safe way to to do this without bringing the mast crashing down? Is it a doable job for one, or should there be at least someone else assisting? Or should I just call a professional for help (and get on their wait list)?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Brian S]

What kind of furler is it? (I admit I'm only semi-familar with CDI furlers.)

As for detaching the forestay, you can always cleat off a halyard to hold the mast up while you disconnect. Probably the jib halyard, because it exits the mast on the front face, near the forestay attachment point. Also assuming it's not being used, as your furling system would have it's own halyard… Spinnaker halyards work. Main, maybe not so much as it exits the aft face of the mast.

 

[Jackdaw]

If it has an internal halyard, it sounds like a CDI unit.

1) Check to make sure there is not anything jammed in the sail-side track.

2) This angle can be changed without taking anything down. Under the housing, with a small screwdriver, remove that two small bolts that hold the housing in place to the base of the forestay. The anti-torsion strap keeps it from twisting. The bottom is ringed with holes for this purpose. Pick two that give the best angle, and replace bolts.

 

[Manureva]

Make sure the slot for the sail doesn't have been crushed in blocking the sail

 

[Earendil]

Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it. It is a CDI furler, and Jackdaw was spot-on about the holes at the bottom of the housing. I'll give that a try this week. Have not yet had an opportunity to check for blockage higher up on the sail-side track, although (visually from the deck) it does seem to have a warp or curve not far from the top.

 

[Clark]

If it is a CDI, then one can replace every part of it at a reasonable cost. IIRC, new foil is in the $150 - 200 range.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Thank you Jackdaw as always.

One other thing, always secure the bottom furler drum to the aft chain plate hole or hole closest to the cockpit. Many do not realize that the drum may not be able to rotate to the correct angle as the bottom of the drum is being interefered by the top of the chain plate if in the forward hole.

 

[Manureva]

Thank you Jackdaw as always. One other thing, always secure the bottom furler drum to the aft chain plate hole or hole closest to the cockpit. Many do not realize that the drum may not be able to rotate to the correct angle as the bottom of the drum is being interefered by the top of the chain plate if in the forward hole.

The chain plate is made to have the forestay or furler at the very bow of the boat, the other hole have less strength and are designed to hold the bottom of the sail in hank on application, if your drum touches you need longer legs for your furler...

 

[Pat]

On my 272, the CDI furler extrusions will not always line up perfectly (the slot, that is) and I'll be that may be the problem....the old cdi units with the metal extrusions had an internal piece that went partly in one section and the the uppers part is set on top of that, therefore requiring the extrusions to line up....but My lower got a dent in it very near the internal piece and it is a chore to raise and lower the sail....in fact I don't very often....this would only be true if you have metal extrusions vs. single piece flexible furler extrusion. These were known as some kind of torque link & I have a few extras somewhere in my sailing closet. I will say that with the metal extrusions and a lack of a torque link spanning the two or three sections, I don't think the extrusions would ever line up well enough to allow you to raise the sail without the torque link good luck!

 

[dscribner]

The foil is plastic and can get dented or crushed. But plastic has memory and wants to go back where it was made. If you pulled the foil off (remove the turnbuckle and slide off) inspect and find it collapsed, jam a wedge in to spead it at that location and heat with a hair dryer, NOT a heat gun. On high, it should relax the PVC sufficiently to send it back where it needs to be. Then let it cool with the wedge left in. You can also pour boiling water over the area, being carefull to heat only the part to be repared.

 

[Earendil]

Had success rigging the jib yesterday in the rain. The headfoil was undamaged (old furler, has no extrusions); the luff tape just kept getting stuck. By pulling it forward, towards the bow, during the feed we were able to maintain a good enough angle for the jib to feed upward (although it took some effort). We will take a closer look at it after the season ends. May even replace that furler....
Also adjusted housing window at base -- following Jackdaw's advice to move those screws (and Manureva's word of caution re the chain plate attachment).
Many genuine thanks for all the responses!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Regarding the chain plate for any furler attachment at the chain plate, it will depend on how the chain plate is made as the design is different with many. What I was trying to say, the bottom of the attachment or U bracket might not be able to rotate freely on the top of the chain plate. This is something that many did not recognize as that portion of the forestay needs to be able to rotate freely. Therefore, it will depend on the specific chain plate and which hole to attach to allow the forestay attachment to rotate freely.