I have a 2003 Beneteau 331, with the roller furling main. The first year, pulling out the main and furling it was very easy and, for the most part, could be doen without assistance of a winch. This past year, however, has been quite a different story. Even with the winch, it is difficult to pull out. I have tried to research this issue and I have made sure that the boom is perpendicular, that the main sheet and boom vang are loose, that there is slight pressure on the outhaul when pulling the sail in by the reefing line, and making sure there are no creases in the sail as it is being furled. Interestingly, I did not have to pay attention to any of this during the first year, and it all worked very smoothly. Has anyone else experienced this problem or difficulty? Is there a problem with the outhaul car (and its bearing) not being able to handle the strain and needing replacing? The outhaul line does seem to have gotten somewhat stiff - should this be replaced (after just two years)? Is there anything else I should look for? Any help, suggestions and guidance would be greatly appreciated. As you may expect, this can be quite a frustrating problem. Thanks Steve
- Status
Bringing in a furling main
Steve, While we have boats from different mfgrs, I would strongly suggest you go through your dealer. Being a new boat, it probably is still on warranty. The problem does not sound like a normal occurrence. Our furling system has always worked perfectly as long as the sail has been properly furled...sail on the port side of the boat, sail not flogging while facing into the wind, proper tension on the outhaul...all of which will prevent any folding and jamming of the material. You might also make sure that the spectra loop on the tack is attached to the inner mechanism of the furler inside the mast as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. If it isn't, you can use 1/8th" spectra line to secure it. Any deviance here will cause a jam as I found on our boat. Aside from any of these, you need to get some "professional" assistance. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Steve, While we have boats from different mfgrs, I would strongly suggest you go through your dealer. Being a new boat, it probably is still on warranty. The problem does not sound like a normal occurrence. Our furling system has always worked perfectly as long as the sail has been properly furled...sail on the port side of the boat, sail not flogging while facing into the wind, proper tension on the outhaul...all of which will prevent any folding and jamming of the material. You might also make sure that the spectra loop on the tack is attached to the inner mechanism of the furler inside the mast as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. If it isn't, you can use 1/8th" spectra line to secure it. Any deviance here will cause a jam as I found on our boat. Aside from any of these, you need to get some "professional" assistance. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Less than 90
On my Catalina I was instructed that the boom was not to be 90 degrees to the mast but instead was more like 85 degrees. It made a big difference in the ease of operation.
On my Catalina I was instructed that the boom was not to be 90 degrees to the mast but instead was more like 85 degrees. It made a big difference in the ease of operation.
- Status