Furler Problems

[Dockhead]

I have been using furling headsails since I can't remember when -- at least 20 years. And I've never had this problem before . . .

When I unfurl the sail, the furling line has started to pile up in one place, eventually reaching the shield and jamming it. Then the whole shield starts to twist around, making a mess which requires me to go to the foredeck and untangle it before I can furl the sail.

I've got to fix this, as I am in the North Sea with a constant F6 and F7 and very rough due to the shallow water -- no conditions to be going to the foredeck every time I need to furl a sail.

I have tried changing the angle of the lead of the furling line -- no effect. Next maybe I will reduce the amount of furling line coiled on the furler when the sail is furled, but that seems like just a band-aid -- why in the world would it be piling up in one place??? I have never seen anything like this before.

Anyone been through this?

[Sailmonkey]

I've seen this when the lead is too close to the drum. Even with perfect alignment the fleet angle won't allow the line to spool properly.

[boatman61]

When the sail is furled you should have only 2-3turns round the drum.. dunno why some folk think they need 20.. reduce the amount of line on the drum.. you'll find over time they slowly increase.. one off those mysteries of this sailing life..

[Pete7]

Best guess if nothing else has changed then it has a slight twist in the line. If you have the chance take it off, give it a wash and refit.

Pete

[sigmasailor]

Second the twist. It's the first thing that came to my mind. Try 'counter' twisting the whole line in the opposite direction as to the side where it wants to go because of the current twist.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I've seen this when the lead is too close to the drum...

This, or misaligned.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Best guess if nothing else has changed then it has a slight twist in the line. If you have the chance take it off, give it a wash and refit.

Pete

Ha, great idea. Why didn't I think about that? Will give that a try -- thanks!

I don't think it's the angle of the lead, because it's been like that since the boat was built and never any problems.

[Blue Stocking]

I'd bet posts 3 and 4 solve your problem. Have you removed the core from the section which goes on the drum ? Makes life a lot easier. Sew the point at the end of the core.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

I'd bet posts 3 and 4 solve your problem. Have you removed the core from the section which goes on the drum ? Makes life a lot easier. Sew the point at the end of the core.

Yes -- the core is gone.

Thanks to everyone for the help. Will try and hope.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by boatman61

When the sail is furled you should have only 2-3turns round the drum.. dunno why some folk think they need 20.. reduce the amount of line on the drum.. you'll find over time they slowly increase.. one off those mysteries of this sailing life..

Harken recommends that the jib sheet should wrap the sail 6 times when furled. Of course, this is to make sure you have enough when the sail furls tight during high winds. I can't believe how many boats I have seen out cruising with a foot or two of sail still unfurled at anchor because they ran out of furling line.

Matt

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

Harken recommends that the jib sheet should wrap the sail 6 times when furled. Of course, this is to make sure you have enough when the sail furls tight during high winds. I can't believe how many boats I have seen out cruising with a foot or two of sail still unfurled at anchor because they ran out of furling line.

Matt

That's coz their lazy.. all they have to do is get off their ass and untie a knot... turn the furler a few times and re-set the thing..

[botanybay]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Best guess if nothing else has changed then it has a slight twist in the line. If you have the chance take it off, give it a wash and refit.

Pete

Third on some twists in the line.

[Cheechako]

Yeah, I'm thinking if this is a new issue that was fine before you have a twist issue. Maybe remove completely and take the line off and straighten it out.

[Dockhead]

I took a few turns off it and it now more or less works, but the piling up problem continues. Next I will remove the furling line entirely and try to make sure it's straight. I know it seems logical but I can't see or feel any twist in the line uzzled:

[IdoraKeeper]

I had a furler issue like yours. It was caused by the anchor touching the furling line and misalignment as a result. It was not visable from the cockpit, all looked normal. Perhaps something has moved and is affecting the alignment of the line, or causing a different tension as the sail is unfurled?