Lewmars

[All U Get]

Hi all,
I have winches that are Lewmar 30ST's and have my reefing lines for the roller furling set to use them. The lines are sized for that winch but will slip out during the reefing process. Since I don't see any way to adjust them for a smaller line I was wondering if there was any way to recondition the lines so they wouldn't slip. We washed them during our spring wash, buff, wax-the-boat week and it seemed to improve the grip a bit. The other choice would be to replace either the winch crowns or the lines. Any thoughts?
All U Get

 

[Stu Jackson]

How many wraps are you using? Sometimes the thinner lines don't fit in the self tailers and you simply do it manually - like a regular winch without self tailing.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

Never use the winch

unless it is an in mast system designed for one. Your roller furling head sail should be furled by hand. If you have to use the winch you have too much pressure on the system and could damage your furler. Mine got hard to furl...When I changed the bearing I was able to furl with 2 fingers.

 

[Ted]

Re: Never use the winch

You can have you rigger sew a cover over your existing line in the area where it will contact the winch drum and jaws. Adding a cover is a lot cheaper than replacing the entire line or your winch. As a side benefit, the new cover will take the brunt of the wear and tear and your line will last longer.

 

[Stu Jackson]

What furler system do you have? ProFurl allows using a winch, most all others do not.

 

[All U Get]

The furlers for the staysail and genoa are made by Hood and the lines run along the toe-rail through several bullseye fairleads. This creates friction since the lines rub the fairleads, the deck, and each other. If I'm near the bow I can pull the reefing lines easily, but my wife has difficulty unless we head down wind to furl. I saw a rope conditioner in the SBO store and thought that might work.
All U Get