I have a Harken furlor on my Pearson 28. Operated flawlessly for 10 years. Now it binds frequently when I am taking the sail in. I will usually find a knot or bind in the spool. Back it off and and push it around loosens it than it furls in. The line itself is in good shape with no signs of abrasion or knots or kinks.. This is new over the bast month or so. No changes to the set up in the interim. It comes out fine. Any ideas?
Roller Furlor binds
- Thread starter Creenativw
- Start date
Did the fairlead shift positions? My did the same thing until I realized I accidentally moved the first fairlead so it wouldn't wind up smoothly.
Try taking the line completely off the spool and remove any twists in the line. One way to do this is to go sailing and trail the line behind the boat. the line will untwist.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,647
Have you washed the accumulated dirt out of the furler line recently. Dirty line stiffens and can swell making a smooth wrap on the furler drum impossible. Line jambs, over wraps occur and a smooth operation fails.
If the housing of the line is catching on the housing of the furler due to the housing shifting X degrees (think of it like a clock), it can have similar symptoms as well. Dirty bearings are another possibility that nobody has mentioned. Many possibilities but most solutions are quite simple.
OK all. I checked the fairlead and think I found part of the problem. So re rigged it at a better angle As for a clean line I checked and part of it is a bit stiffer. Not bad but definitely not soft like new line. So I am going to clean the line. Since it is kept on salt water I'll probably take it home and wash in clean fresh water.. After all this we'll see what happens.. Thanks Very Much to ALL
The line on my old furler would get stiff as it aged and got dirty. Thought the furler was the problem, until I put a new furler line on and it worked great.
So, wash the line or replace it and I bet you will find it works much better. But also rinse the drum and bearings with fresh water…that can also make it turn easier.
Greg
So, wash the line or replace it and I bet you will find it works much better. But also rinse the drum and bearings with fresh water…that can also make it turn easier.
Greg
Greg,
I have found the same. After 3 or 4 years, I have to replace my furler line. It looks ok; however, the stiffness & reduced flexibility affects the furler operation. Washing it helps a bit, but a new line is the ultimate solution.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,647
Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, the lines that are on a boat when new or newly purchased are not life long attachments that stay with the boat til it is demolished.
They are like batteries in a smoke alarm. They need replacement at least every 10 years. Sooner if the boat is actively sailed and put through harsh conditions, like raced in a stormy ocean.
They are like batteries in a smoke alarm. They need replacement at least every 10 years. Sooner if the boat is actively sailed and put through harsh conditions, like raced in a stormy ocean.
That helps, but more effective yet, is a wash-in water-repellent treatment. Lasts longer, works better, and the line dries faster, which means less lime accumulation and less mildew. If you sail in the winter, it means they don't freeze. You do it in a bucket, not the washer, and skip the drier step. Also, the dregs are reused with a booster dose to treat line after line.
The jib sheets are 14+ years old, nice and supple and no wear. No need to replace them. The rigid vang line is getting a little ratty looking, but still works well.
The wire rope halyards did get replaced 13 years ago, the new halyards are still good, no plans to replace them any time soon.
The main sheet did get replaced, the old one was stiff and worn.
This after 10K + nm on the water.
RE PO Original post.
I have a Harken furlor on my Pearson 28. Operated flawlessly for 10 years. Now it binds frequently when I am taking the sail in. I will usually find a knot or bind in the spool
A knot? How did that come about?
Gary
I have a Harken furlor on my Pearson 28. Operated flawlessly for 10 years. Now it binds frequently when I am taking the sail in. I will usually find a knot or bind in the spool
A knot? How did that come about?
Gary
How'd we all miss the part about a knot? A twisted line sounds like the most likely cause