During recent haul out, when the rig was reinstalled, the opening of the furling drum got rotated 180 degrees and now faces forward instead of to back/port side. I did undo the forestay at the masthead to replace the retaining pin and maybe rotated it when i did? Im not positive, but if i did, does it need to be undone at the masthead and reversed or is it good enough to undo the rigging at the bottom and simply rotate it there, or can i simply rotate the drum and leave everything else alone?
Rotating Furling Drum
- Thread starter BAD ORCA
- Start date
Ugh. So annoying. was so busy worrying about the new mast step, wasnt paying attention.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,258
I think you can hold the mast in place, tying the jib halyard to the bow, undue the forestay and rotate the drum.
That is what I would do. Then check for function.
That is what I would do. Then check for function.
Question? If i actually did not rotate the fitting at the top, how else would it have gotten mis-oriented? Would attaching the bottom fitting in a different orientation have the same outcome? I dont understand how the furler is attached to the wire so having trouble visualizing the different ways it could have gotten twisted.
its a circa 1980's Harken MK1. I watched a couple of videos on youtube that show how to adjust loosen/tighten lower stay, but require a bit of disassembly of the drum. I'll be at boat tomorrow so need to get a better look at everything. I'm trying to avoid going up the mast but will have to if there is no other option.
Maybe for an owner who is not hands on or have DIY skills. The time it would take to go back to yard, take time off work etc...etc...is not worth it. Easy enough to fix on a weekend im sure once figured out. Also, i was doing work on mast while hauled so its possible it was my mistake and we just didnt catch it while re-stepping. No big deal...opportunity to learn a new skill on boat.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,258
I am clarifying the issue in my mind. Your concern is the drum furler at the bow. When you look at it, the opening for the furler line is pointed forward over the bow. There is nothing regarding the swivel at the mast top. It is oriented so that when you raise the sail, it is positioned as in this image.
When you look at the extrusion, the slot opening for the sail is directed back towards the mast.
If this is the case, you only need to adjust the drum opening. It should be able to be released. You then rotate the opening towards your desired furler line route.
When you look at the extrusion, the slot opening for the sail is directed back towards the mast.
If this is the case, you only need to adjust the drum opening. It should be able to be released. You then rotate the opening towards your desired furler line route.
Thanks jssailem. Yes, all of that is correct. Only the drum is facing forward. I was at the boat this morning but couldnt stay long enough to mess with it. There are four screws in the drum that look like if they are loosened it may rotate freely.
