roller furler question

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Steve Growcock

I have a CDI tape furling system. For my sailing style, this system works beautifully. No muss, no fuss. However, at the beginning of the season, I had a heck of a time feeding the sail into the track and hoisting it up the channel of the tape furler. I was pulling so hard on the halyard, I was afraid of tearing something up. After a lot of worrisome effort, I got it in place. Question, is there some kind of lubricant that I should consider using to help the sail feed more easily in the channel? Obviously, something not petroleum-based as it may damage or, minimally, stain the sail. Other guidance you could provide? Cleaning the channel perhaps? In advance, thank you very much for your consideration. I hope this helps others as well. steve!
 
S

Steve Growcock

just got finished doing dishes...

and with my hands in the suds, I thought about liquid soap? Would this work as a satisfactory lubricant?
 
B

Bob

Fastrack lubricant

is what you need - #100003 for about 11 bucks from West Marine, their item #592354. It is a kit specifically made for head foils. Or check this site to see if they carry it in the chandlery.
 
A

Alan

First ...

.... you need to find out what is causing the resistance. You may have a wrapped halyard inside the mast or a badly worn halyard sheeve. You can't fix it if you don't know what's wrong. First, drop the jib on the deck and remove the halyard from the sail. Check the sheeve at the bottom of the mast. Next, check the sheeve at the top of the mast by hanging a heavy weight from the shackle and moving the halyard across it. If all of this proves to be smooth and clean, then the problem is in the foil. Get a small length of luff tape and soak it in solvent. Hoist the tape with your halyard and a downhaul attached to pull it down again. Run it up and down a couple of times and it should clean the grove. Then rehoist your jib.
 
S

Steve Growcock

thank you Bob and Alan...

I will consider both your responses when I next head out to the marina. Cleaning and a lubricant, as you suggest in combination, is what I need to address this problem. thank you for your direction. steve!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.