Question for any profurl owners...

[rperret]

Question for Profurl owners

Have a Profurl RI25 furler - probably a late 80's early '90's vintage on a boat I recently purchased.

As you know, the headstay attaches to the titanium turnbuckle cylinder unit and to the link plate via the two link plate screws (blue colored screws)

I was able to get one screw off - but can't get the other screw off - have used gentle persuasion, plus PB-Blaster sitting for 2 days. Won't budge. I have a micro torch - and might use that - but not sure if the heat will cause issues with the titanium cylinder.

Need to get this off so I can adjust/inspect the turnbuckle. I would rather not breakoff the screw- as the screws cost $10-12 a piece...

Any out of box ideas appreciated.

Thx.

[T34C]

I have a newer Profurl unit (C360). When you say "headstay" are refering to the actual headstay or the headstay foil? My furler is installed with the long link plates which make turn buckle inspection very easy.

I would think using a small torch in limited burst should do the trick to break the bond with the screws. I wouldn't think it could damage the titanium so long as there aren't any plastic parts nearby. (remember the short burst part!)

*Disclaimer:* While I'm not a metalugist (hell I can't even spell it!) but I do make a living dealing with various alloys.

[rperret]

T34C

I mean the headstay - the c360 appears to have a different design than the R25. I tried some short bursts of heat with the microtorch - no luck...

thx

[jrd22]

I don't have a solution for you but you might try posting a question on Brion Toss's forum, Spartalk, they have given me good advice in the past on rigging issues. Good luck.
http://www.briontoss.com/

John

[rperret]

John

you must have ESP - earlier this week I remembered his site and posted. He replied back. According to Brion - this is a typical problem with Profurl - in fact he corrected me in that the cylinder is not titanium but aluminum, the screws are titanium (which explains the high cost of the screws...)

he basically told me I tried all the usual and customary approaches - his final suggestion was impact wrench - and if that does not work...then find a rigger for major surgery.

Rick