Bank holiday ruined already (Rotostay question)

[neilmcc]

The ball-bearings in the swivel at the top of my Rotostay on the genoa have started to disintigrate causing the swivel to jam and the halyard to become tangled round the stay. The upshot is that the foresail is unuseable.
Does anyone know if these bearings can be replaced. They look like they are ceramic or some material other than stainless steel.
Looks like no sailing tomorrow.
Typical bank holiday then.........

 

[Richard10002]

Why not use the mainsail and engine..... just as much fun can be had. In fact, I find that there is either too much wind, or not enough, so wouldnt miss the foresail much of the time.

 

[Thistle]

What about unwinding the sail and using it as a conventional, non-furling foresail?

 

[nigelhudson]

[ QUOTE ]
Looks like no sailing tomorrow.
Typical bank holiday then.........

[/ QUOTE ]

Not necessarily - the forecast for your area seems ok. If you can untangle the halyard, you can hoist the sail. As long as you don't need to reef the sail you'll be able to go out.

The ball bearings are an engineering plastic - I expect Rotostay will be able to sort you out with replacements next week.

 

[neilmcc]

We motor-sailed from Port Bannatyne back to Troon today to have a look at things. I will probably go out for a sail tomorrow but had intended being further afield today. Performance was not gret with only the main up. I think the sail is "overtired".
I have hunted down Rotostay on the web and sent them an e-mail.
Thanks.

 

[mikemonty]

I think "Mast and Rigging Services" at Largs Y.H. are the official Rotostay "agents" in the area. I used them before for a problem Rotostay.

 

[bryantee]

contact http://www.rotostay.co.uk/ give them the number stamped under the bottom drum.chapter and verse. I had a fright 15 years since the forestay had been fitted.

 

[neilmcc]

I'll go and get the numbers off the drum this morning and head up to Largs to see if they can help.

 

[mikemonty]

Call them first - they seem to alternate between a Largs office and a Kip office. My work was done at Largs.

 

[neilmcc]

Found the guy at Largs but they don't carry stock. He thinks I should get them quickest from Rotostay direct.

 

[neilmcc]

Update on the bearings saga. I was advised by Mast and Rigging Services to replace the plastic bearings with stainless steel.
Tracked down ball bearings on Simply Bearings and they tell me they have dispatched same yesterday.
I just have to fit them without losing too many over the side. I guess grease will hold them in place while I fiddle about with it.
Sent email to Rotostay but to date no reply......