The subject 1998 Beneteau 38 has the original main and US Spars furling mast. It has become almost imposssible to unfurl the main. About 1/3 out, the sail bundle tries to come out the mast grouve and jams. Standard procedure is to furl quite tight with outhall tension and release the mainsheet to allow the leach to be loose. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatlly appretiated. Thanks
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Furling Line
Mike, have you replaced the furling line? I was having a problem with unfurling, the problem was that the furling line had become mis-shapped causing it to bind on the shield behind the furling drum. Replaced the line and it solved all my problems, I now replace every other year and turn end for end in between.
Mike, have you replaced the furling line? I was having a problem with unfurling, the problem was that the furling line had become mis-shapped causing it to bind on the shield behind the furling drum. Replaced the line and it solved all my problems, I now replace every other year and turn end for end in between.
Backstay tension
My 351 has similar symptoms. Turned out that the backstays were over tensioned by marina staff who put the boat back in the water after haul out (required taking the backstays off). They put in some bend like most non mast furled boats have. Picture the mail sail furling rod staying straight while the mast outside of it is bent back. This surely will case the sail to try and protrude out the groove. So make sure your mast is STRAIGHT all the way up with very little bend.
My 351 has similar symptoms. Turned out that the backstays were over tensioned by marina staff who put the boat back in the water after haul out (required taking the backstays off). They put in some bend like most non mast furled boats have. Picture the mail sail furling rod staying straight while the mast outside of it is bent back. This surely will case the sail to try and protrude out the groove. So make sure your mast is STRAIGHT all the way up with very little bend.
My solution
I've had similar problems with my 321. What works for me is as follows: 1. Lubricate the outhaul track so car moves freely (maintains proper angle) 2. Release mainsheet (this is essential) 3. Ensure there is no tension on the furling line (the multiple turns through the blocks provides sufficient tension) 4. I generally pull the main out by hand (this may not be possible on your bigger boat) 5. I head slightly off, and allow the wind to help pull the main out (keeping the out haul line fairly loose), and then winch it in when all the way out. 6. On furling, I don't put any additional tension on the outhaul (again the natural resistance of passing through the blocks seems to do the trick). Hope this helps.
I've had similar problems with my 321. What works for me is as follows: 1. Lubricate the outhaul track so car moves freely (maintains proper angle) 2. Release mainsheet (this is essential) 3. Ensure there is no tension on the furling line (the multiple turns through the blocks provides sufficient tension) 4. I generally pull the main out by hand (this may not be possible on your bigger boat) 5. I head slightly off, and allow the wind to help pull the main out (keeping the out haul line fairly loose), and then winch it in when all the way out. 6. On furling, I don't put any additional tension on the outhaul (again the natural resistance of passing through the blocks seems to do the trick). Hope this helps.
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