Sticking Furler (Furlex)

[Ladyhawke2]

I am getting Ladyhawke (M32) for launch ...and remembered a problem I was having with my furler in the latter part of last season. When unfurling the jib, it would roll out easy until I got to the last 3-4 inches of sail and then it would jam. I often had to go up front and unfurl the rest by twisting the foil by hand. I checked to make sure that the line wasn't jamming and looking at the mast yesterday, there is no sign of the foil rubbing against the mast. And there doesn't appear to be any wear at the top of the foil. Any idea what might be causing this...?

[Beechjetdriver]

You can call them at 843-760-6278, or send them a message on their website.

I posted a message about a problem with my Furlex furler, and got a phone call with a solution from them the next day.

Good luck!

[sailingdog]

Have you been maintaining the furler properly. The Furlex has bearing that need to be grease annually at a minimum. If you haven't been doing this, that could well be the issue.

Have you inspected the forestay to see if you had a previous halyard wrap. That can often damage the forestay and make it difficult for the furler to turn, especially when there's little sail on the foil and your leverage is minimal.

[sailingfool]

The prime culprit would be the furling line binding in the drum due to too much line or the way it lays. When your largest sail is unfurled, be sure you have only 3-4 wraps left on the drum. Also be sure the line is feeding into the drum at the proper angle, per the manual. Sorry if you have all this covered.

If it ain't that above, then another possibility was there wasn't enough load to un-roll the last turns. If it's not a breezy day, try trimming the jib to close hauled to see if the load finishes the un-furling. I have seen this condition.

[Rxman47]

White Lithium grease into the bearings did wonders for mine. Opens and closes much easier now.
John

[Pub911]

Bearings in the drum you mean?

[Rxman47]

On my Furlex there is an upper and lower furler unit, each has open bearings, ie there is open slot at top and bottom of each unit. In that slot is a small rectangular opening, the grease goes in there. I used white lithium grease in spray can and used the "straw" to grease the bearings. Also on the top furler there is a plastic screw, remove and grease the roller bearing there.
This information was given to me by sales rep that sells Furlex.
You can use any water proof grease.
John

[sailingfool]

I would not use lithium grease in the Furlex bearings. You can get a tube of the Furlex grease for about $15 and I am not sure what that grease is made of , but is far more solid and waterproof than lithium. These bearings would be a strange place to try to save a buck.

[Ladyhawke2]

Merci Gentlemen...

All good information