Profurl headsail system

[jim reed]

I have a 1988 Hunter 285 fitted with a Profurl N31 headsail furling system which is about 10 yrs old. Over the past few months, the resistance to furl/unfurl has increased to where the unit is now almost unusable. Even without the sail installed, the drum unit turns only with great resistance. Halyard wrap is/has not been a problem. Anyone experience this or have a solution? Thanks.

 

[Jim McCue]

hard turning

I'm not familiar with that specific furler, but since it is 10 yrs old I wonder if there are delran ball bearings (or similar) in it that have crapped out.Jim McCue

 

[ES]

Bearings

Call Pro furl. The bad news is, they use steel bearings that die after a time. The good news is they have a lifetime guarantee.

 

[jim reed]

the cure!

The problem was solved by my rigger. He noted that the foil sections had slipped down a few inches and construed that the set screws in the drum holding the foils up had slacked. Sure enough, by some means the screws had backed out a turn or so and the foil had dropped, impinging on the free turn of the drum. We slid the foil up the forestay, set the screws, and all is well. Let's go sailing!