roller furling blues

[John Dodge]

My wife and I went sailing for a few hours this afternoon. As we began to wrap things up the roller furling would not wind up completly. I continued to pull on the line to roll in the sail and it appeared that the (spindle) would pop but would not turn. This is a Harken model. I'm looking for any ideas where to start to trouble shoot.

 

[Gord May]

Jammed furler

Assuming that the furler has previously worked, and therefore you have a proper installation:ie: Halyard Swivel Height, Furling Line Angle, and Furling line length & tension... thenCheck terminal end bearings:Slacken backstay slightly, and rotate by hand. If it doesn't rotate smoothly, lubricate or replace bearings.Check halyard swivel & bushings:1. Lower sail inspect plastic ("delrin") bushings above & below swivel - replace if worn.2. Rotate upper swivel (by itself). If not smoothe, lubricate or replace.Regards & good luckGord

 

[John K Kudera]

Downwind

Some time ago, I was having a battle with my furling system, needed to resort to the winch on occasion, What solved my furling problems was a simple trick passed to this list by someone much smarter than I, Simply furl the sail on a downwind tack, start the engine, throttle up, sail down wind and furl the sail, works with one hand now.We also drop the main sail first, either on a beat or broad reach, just release the main halyard, flake the sail, the boat is stable because you are still sailing with the jib, the draft of air from the jib keeps the main from flopping everywhere,also the flow keeps the main out of the rigging.

 

[james rohr]

Try easing Halyard tension

Upon ocassion mine is really tough to furl. thats when I usually remember that I tightened halyard tension to move draft forward in sail while going to weather in a breese. it always works easier if the tension is released and its a lot easier on the sail to not have luff tensioned when not in use.

 

[Miles]

"Need more info"

John.There are so many different models and manufacturers of furlers. You mention Harken, I know of 7 models of furlers, built by Harken.It would help if we knew what model you have and on what size boat? Get me more info and I'll try to help. Either E-mail or phone, your only about 20 miles from me. Good Luck

 

[Bayard Gross]

Halyard wrapped?

Possibly the halyard became wrappped around the furler as the head sail was furled. This is something that may have suddenly started to occur whereas before it did not. One of those things not always checked.