Self Furling Line Jams

[Alan Townsend]

The furling line on my Jib has been jamming when I let out the Genoa. The line comes straight from a block on the first stantion. It then bunches up at the top of the roller mechanism. I am considering putting a lead block in to keep the line lower leading into the mechanism and then the slanted entry points of the roller should better distribute the line. Has anyone have any suggestions?Thanks.

 

[Paul Akers]

Perpendicular?

The line should lead into the drum at a 90 degree angle to the drum. Also keep a bit of tension on the line when you pull the sail out so that it rolls up tighter on the drum. This all assumes that you have a single line furler.

 

[Mark Johnson]

I'll second that..

As Paul says, keep some tension on the furling line while you are pulling out the Genoa. I've had one or two jams when the line was allowed to run free.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

yeah, what they said

You really never want to completely release a line that needs to run fair. Try to always keep a bit of tension on it and you'll find your assorted tackle works a lot better.As to perpendicularity (wow, new word). Its a must. Reposition the current fairlead, or add another and you are likely to find your problem abated.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[John Sheppard]

Furling Jams

Alan, I have the same problem that you described. Keeping tension on the furling line doesn't seem to have any effect. I'll have to take a look at the angle the line enters the drum. Let me know if you find a fix..John

 

[Greg Wynne]

Furling line fix

I had the same problem. The first block was placed on the bow pulpit, but was not at the right distance to get a 90 degree angle on the furler. The line bunched up at the top, and then tended to jam, even with proper tension in the line. Once the block was moved forward to get the angle correct, it's worked perfect.

 

[Tom Carr]

Furler

Just installed a new Schaffer roller furler and had the same problem > All I had to do was lower the closest block and now all is fine .

 

[Todd Osborne]

Adjust your lead block

Give this a try ;If the furling line bunches up & jams on the top of the drum, lower your lead block. If your furling line bunches up & jams up at the bottom of your furling drum, raise your lead block. You want your line to naturally lead to the dead center of your furler drum. Good luck!