Furler Won't Unfurl

CatalinaSteve · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007

I have a 27' Catalina sloop I recently purchased. It has a Stream Stay 2 furler. About 95% of the time it won't unfurl by merely pulling on the jib sheet line; instead, I have to get on my knees at the bow of the boat and turn the furler by hand. It feels like it is hung up on something, but I can't figure out what it is hung on. The other 5% of the time, after I pull on the jib line while in the cockpit, the genoa sail comes out smoothly like it is supposed to.

Ironically, once the genoa sail is out, and I'm finished using it, I can pull on the furling line and refurl the sail with no problem whatsoever; 100% of the time.

Does anyone have any ideas on what can be done to fix the problem?

Thank you.

CatalinaSteve · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007

Tonic, thanks for the help. I'll take a look for the adjustment.

trantor12020 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2007

you could also look at the tension of the forestay. Slack stay causes friction when furling. And also check that the bearings of the furler drum are greased or has not dropped off. I've Selden Furlex and had on ocassion similar to your problem, found bearing balls on my deck, apparently dropped from the lower bearing race due to ill fixed parts.

CatalinaSteve · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007

Trantor12020, thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out. I lived in Kuala Lumpur for awhile and love that part of the world.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007

If you have an adjustable backstay... altering the tension on it may fix or help relieve the problem.. Halyard tension can also be a source of problems for furling/unfurling... if it is either too tight or too loose.

jmunson2 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007

There is an article in the recent issue of Good Old Boat that talks about roller furling issues. Maybe the problem the author discusses in there applies to you. Check it out, may be something to consider.

Sincerely,

/s/ Jon C. Munson II

tenuki · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007

You have to be careful about just lubing it up, read the manual for the roller furler. Some of them have delrin bearings that are self lubricating and if you put lube in there it can actually do damage. The Hood system I have on my boat you just soak in warm soapy water for a while, move it around in there, then flush with fresh water every season.