Profurl B29S on Beneteau 323

[rschultz]

I have a 2004 B323 with a factory installed Profurl B29S headsail furling unit. The boat is new to me, and have noticed the furling is never very smooth. Wondering if this is due to it being a 10 year old unit, and possibly a bearing issue, or if it is common as this unit seems to be a somewhat light-duty furler. Most specifications for this unit list it as typically used on boats up to 30 foot (general guideline agreed). Any input from others using this same furler would be appreciated. Not sure if the bearings can even be replaced, or if the entire drum requires replacement.

Second question is...what furling make/model are other B323 owners using? If it is ultimately decided that an upgrade is required, would like to hear what other B323 owners have done and works well on that particular boat.

Thanks all.

 

[DougM]

My 323, also a 2004, has the same furler. It has always operated smoothly. Yours may just need a thorough cleaning especially if you sail in saltwater.
Because the 323 jib is relatively small, the original equipment Profurl is adequate for anything except extremely hard sailing in my opinion. The boat is essentially a cruiser, not a grand prix racer.

My only complaint is that the way it is installed was not provided with any turnbuckle adjustment in the underlying forestay.

 

[rschultz]

Thanks Doug...and agree that it is probably adequate. I do sail in salt water...however also routinely give the boat a fresh water washdown...including extra water on the furler drum. This weekend I plan on dropping the jib and taking a better look at everything and try and see what the problem is. I am assuming the drum is sealed...and can't be greased. Do you do any cleaning or maintenance other than simply rinsing in fresh water?

 

[DougM]

Thanks Doug...and agree that it is probably adequate. I do sail in salt water...however also routinely give the boat a fresh water washdown...including extra water on the furler drum. This weekend I plan on dropping the jib and taking a better look at everything and try and see what the problem is. I am assuming the drum is sealed...and can't be greased. Do you do any cleaning or maintenance other than simply rinsing in fresh water?

I have not had to do much other than flush the drum area. I drop the mast every third year to check rigging, etc.
Check the fitting everybody calls the Darth Vader to make sure that it is positioned properly to prevent the halyard from twisting at the masthead and that your spinnaker halyard is not trapped in it.
If you take the jib down sometime, check that the upper swivel on the furler isn't clogged up with dirt or spiderwebs. I believe that it is a sealed bearing so it really should not have any problems like that. Remember that the entire foil rotates, and that swivel is supposed to remain stationary so that it does not try to wind up the jib halyard.
Another possibility is that you have too many turns of furling line on the drum which could cause it to bind. The line should come off the drum perpendicular to the first lead block as well. By the way, those little sheaves along the toe rail have a tendency to seize up as well.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Doug nailed it. My LCI32 ProFurl has sealed bearings, and I think all ProFurls do, it's one of their build/marketing strategies.

In addition to the wraps on the drum, make sure they come off at the right angle.

You do have the manual, don't you? If not contact ProFurl, I think they're in FL.

 

[rschultz]

Doug nailed it. My LCI32 ProFurl has sealed bearings, and I think all ProFurls do, it's one of their build/marketing strategies.

In addition to the wraps on the drum, make sure they come off at the right angle.

You do have the manual, don't you? If not contact ProFurl, I think they're in FL.

Thanks Doug, Stu... Great info...and will check all. I don't have a manual, but will look into getting one. Boat is in water year round...so mast, rigging are never dropped. Will drop jib and take a closer look at everything you guys mentioned... The angle of the furling line into the drum will be the first thing to check... Again...thanks for the help.