Boom roller reefing replacement

[jrussill]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience of removing an old-school Barton roller reefing assembly at the inboard end of a boom and replacing it with a normal end cap? This is for a Snapdragon 24 with the original boom. I'm mainly trying to find where I can get a new end cap as part of conversion to slab reefing. I know I could keep the current one on, but it's twisted and seized so would like to replace.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Pauly]

I did this on my Kestrel, but it meant replacing the entire boom. I managed to pick one up that had come from a Centaur. The problem was that the cross sectional profile was a teardrop shape on the original boom which made it very difficult to find parts to fit. The Centaur boom was circular in profile and was not roller furling. The other issue was the cut of the sail. Apparently quite different for a slab reefed jobby. I bought a new slab reef sail to suit as I had done away with the roller furling.
I do have the furling parts from the old boom that are in quite good shape, but as said, suited to a teardrop profile boom.

 

[VicS]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience of removing an old-school Barton roller reefing assembly at the inboard end of a boom and replacing it with a normal end cap? This is for a Snapdragon 24 with the original boom. I'm mainly trying to find where I can get a new end cap as part of conversion to slab reefing. I know I could keep the current one on, but it's twisted and seized so would like to replace.

Thanks for any advice!

Just drill out the rivets, and provided nobody has fixed any other fittings to the boom close to the front end It will "just pull out" . You problem will be finding a plain end fitting and goose neck to fit.

I have converted my boat to slab reefing but I have retained the Barton roller gear and keep it in working order. If necessary it can be used at any time. I would try to dismantle, unseize and straighten up the Barton gear.

 

[jrussill]

Thanks Pauly. The boat was bought for a song and currently a 'project' so would like to avoid the cost of a repacememt boom for the time being, although it's probably the best solution!

If you have any interest in selling your old roller then please let me know. I think I have the same shape section in the boom.

Thanks again!

 

[jrussill]

Thanks Vic. Yes, I was hoping to refurbish it but have found that the worm wheel inside has pretty much disintegrated! Chunks of metal fell out when I pulled out the worm screw and there are no teeth left on parts of the wheel. I think it's probably a lost cause. If I can straighten it up it can still serve to hold the boom on though!