In-Mast Furling Problem

[chriscournoyer]

'' General question for
anyone. Recently purchased 38
Morgan CC '92 with roller
furling in the mast...at present
frozen with sail out about 25%.
Will not move either way (in or
out). Have rigger presently
working on the problem and he
says need' to step the mast to
pull the furling system out
from the bottom. The mast is a
Z-Spar and don't know the
make of the roller furling
system. Has anyone had
problem with this system and
what answer, if one? Would
appreciate hearing from
anyone who may have an
answer, gustimation, or
suggestion. Boat presently put
up for the winter. '' Rigger
says bearing in system frozen
and piled up. Lubricants nor
rust inhibitors do not work to
free the lock position. Can the
system be taken from the mast
without stepping? Is this the
only alternative known? Will
know the system when taken
out. Will be back. Thanks,'''
Terry Quinn

 

[chuckmcfar]

<div>I have a 1995 Catalina/Morgan with Z-Spar furling main. I have not had any problems. I did discuss the effort required to furl the main with the John Middleton of Sail Annapolis (the area dealer) after we returned to the Bay from Florida last spring. The dealer stated that the only problem he was aware of was that the bearing can become dirty or the furling line can fray in its tight slot.
The bearing can be seen by looking at the base of the mechanism. It can be cleaned by pouring hot water into it to desolve the accumulated dirt. All components of the bearing are stainless so that I don't think that it can "freeze up".
The sail can be jammed if it is furled without releasing the main sheet and the boom vang. Any downward pull on the clew when furling can cause a crease in the sail cloth which will jam as it is wound into the mast.
I am sure that if a jam occured and the furling line was put on a winch, some mechanical damage could occur. I suspect that any damage of this type would be visible as a misalignment of the shaft near the bearing. I would look for something bent before removing the furler. Obviously if something is damaged, the furler will have to come out.
I believe that there are tricks such as loosening the main halyard which can help free a jammed sail.Good Luck
John Hammond
Jus' Fine
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