Roller Furler broke???

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Michael Mathis

On the way back from a trip to St. Michael's ran into a slight problem. Unfurled the jib with no problems but when I tried to bring it in - nothing happened. I pulled on the line and it all came out of the housing. I did not have time to really inspect to see if there was a visable problem because we were rushed to get home. Took down the jib and stored it. I'm wondering what may have happened - any help will be appreciated when I go back to check it out. Thanks Michael Mathis S/V Bien Sur
 
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Don Riha

Try this

If your gear is like mine the furling line is secured to the drum by a knot, it sounds like the it came undone.
 
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Michael Mathis

Knot there!

The knot is still there! When I started pulling the line to roll it in the line just kept feeding out normally but did not furl the sail. Once I got to the knot it stopped - line all the way out with the sail still out. Michael Mathis
 
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Rod Leonard

Mike

Is it possible that the cleves holding the foot of the sail came off or loose ? If I remember right the Harken drum is almost impossible to come loose from the foil or head stay. Are sure it's a harken and not a Hood System.
 
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Sam Lust

Broke?

Furling drum on Harken is secured to the foil by three small (#8 X 1/2" if I recall, but I don't recall if they're 24 or 32 threads per inch) "Allen" type screws in the tapered black piece at the base of the foil. If these are gone the drum will turn free of the foil. (Useful trick for adjusting take-up of furling line) There were spares provided with your furler, or, certainly available at a local marine store or direct from Harken. Apply a dab of "Never-Seize" to the threads before re-assembly so you have a chance of getting it apart when you have to.
 
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Dee Doyle

Had a similar problem last year

I, too, have an '87 28.5' ... my roller furling is HOOD continuous line, and it broke down in a similar way. My rigger and others have cautioned me not to try to force it, because my whole forestay system could have collapsed. Also, my rigger told me that the ball bearings are not stainless steel, but a synthetic material [forgot exactly what it was], that breaks down over the years, particularly if it is not cared for properly. When I bought my 28.5', it was in great condition, but it had no manuals, etc., for me to know special maintenance needs, so lessons are learned by trial and lots of error ... sometimes expensive. My rigger, Paul Langolier, West River Rigging, replaced lower mechanism, and instructed me to flush the furling drum with fresh water after every sail, so those ball bearings don't break down from the salt water. Don't know if this applies to yhour situation, but .. I am now repaired, and my new 140% furls beautifully! :)
 
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Michael E. Mathis

Fixed it - thanks

Thanks everyone for your help! Sam, you were on the mark with the 3 screws. Droped in three 10/32 screws and did the job. They must have popped loose over the years. Thanks again all! Michael Mathis
 
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