Below deck Genoa furler 1994. Very stiff. Replace? In Greece

[brownsox]

Partly following forum advice we bought a Jeanneau 37.1 for our "golden years" ...
Delighted with it except Goiot below deck Genoa furler is so stiff it has to be winched out. Very unhappy about this and want to get it fixed asap. Possibly during our summer break, if not before.
Currently at Messolonghion heading for canal.
Evoiko mentioned as summer break place but maybe doesn't have good rigger? Wondered about Olympic but reviews here terrible.
And does anyone have experience of replacing this type of furler, ideally with an above deck one? We'd also like to reroute the line. What's the expected life of a furler - ours is probably 1994 like the boat. Also I've heard Goiot has gone bust. A nice new Furlex, installed by a reliable person, so we don't have to worry about it would be ideal. Tempus fugit and we want to be sailing.
Thank you.

 

[wwalsh]

Probably the ball bearings require replacement.

Here is a good rigger in athens. speaks english

Platonas Rodoussakis
Mobile: 0030-6944854789
email: info@platonsea.gr
http://www.platonsea.gr

 

[brownsox]

Thanks. Trying to avoid Athens - if possible.

 

[charles_reed]

Almost certainly only needs attention to the bearings.
I'd certainly not recommend, unless made of money, replacement
I doubt there's a rigger in Messolonghi, up to the job. I try Gouvia, Levkas or Kalamata, if you must use a marina.
There are several yards round Athens capable of doing the job and, in fairness to Olympic, I've had 3 jobs done there with no problems - just make sure you're dealing direct with the end-contractor and set the targets clearly. All the times I've been there I've been on the boat and one modification had to be sent back twice before it was acceptable.

 

[Bitterend]

Give Waypoint at Lefkas Marina a ring, they are good and experienced riggers

 

[wwalsh]

Wim in aegina can probably do it http://www.aeginayachtservices.com/

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Wim in aegina can probably do it http://www.aeginayachtservices.com/

I have already given Wim's name as he does most of the rigging work in the four yards on Aegina .
Not heard of any fall down...

 

[brownsox]

Thanks to all. The Kanonises put us in touch with Wim, who in fact had done a small job for us before when we were in their yard. He's emailed us and we're going to meet him, look at it and discuss options when we get to Aegina.