Roller Furling, Speed Sensor, and Depth Gauge

[Seabrink2006]

Greetings,
I'm trying to determine the best way to lubricate my roller furling for my jib sheet, it's not stuck fast, and unrolls smoothly when there is a nice little breeze to help it out. But i want to make it nice and smooth when i roll it back up. Is there a preferred method, such as dry lube (i.e. graphite), or will a little squirt of WD-40 take care of it?
Second issue, or i guess second and third... My speed sensor and depth guage both have electricity going to them, but neither seems to display accurate numbers. When i try to reset either of them a little reading comes up on the display. Both components are signet, and i have made sure that both items are clear of little sea critters, and the paddle wheel spins freely. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank y'all for your time and have a nice day.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Some RF units do NOT require lubing. I recommend that you check your owenrs manual before you do anything.

Sorry, can't help with the Signet instruments, but there have been some posts here about them and a resource for info and repairs IIRC. Maybe try a search unless someone chimes in.

Good luck.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Most furlers use Marelon ball bearings which have their own lubricity properties and require regular flushing with freshwater. A dry lube like Sailkote is safe for many furlers if you must apply something. Early model Schaeffer 2100 furlers did not have a method to flush the lower bearing drum and they eventually freeze up. The new replacement drums have holes at the top of the drum, under the furling line to facilitate flushing.
Hood furlers are sensitive to halyard tension and may not perform as well if the halyard has stretched or loosened.

 

[Johnnie Walker Black]

No dry lube on sailboat hardware.

Do not lube bearings with sailkote mclube or any other dry lubricant. Flush with water only or maybe a drop of light oil if suggested by the manufacturer.

Dry lubes can cause bearings to slide and not roll. This puts grooves in them that will ruin them.
Read the directions from the manufacturer of your furler.

Head to wind helps furlers roll up smoothly.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

What roller furling system do you have? When that is determined, I might be able to tell you how to lube it and with what.
Re: Signet....they are still in business. Pull the instruments, send them in and they will bench test them and let you know the cost of repair or if you need to replace them due to antiquity or lack of parts availability. Then you will be ready to go in the spring (if you live in a winter wonderland area).