Colnebrook Reefing Gear

[danbhoy1888]

I have a Leisure 20 yacht with Colnebrook Roller Reefing on my headsail.
I have been having problems unfurling the Genoa, I had to brace myself and pull hard on the sheet to unfurl it. I checked the furling gear for all the usual snagging problems and it seemed alright.
I decided to strip the drum and check the roller bearings, there were no rollers just a piece of nylon/plastic. Does anyone know if this is the correct part for this reefing gear or should there be a roller bearing. The drum moves freely enough when there is no load on it but as soon as I tighten the turnbuckle it becomes tight again,it has always been tight to unfurl and when I compare it to other R/R systems its to tight. The last owner kept the boat well maintained but I wondered if he put this nylon/plastic piece in because he could not source the correct bearing.

 

[simonfraser]

it's an old system, i'd guess the plastic insert is standard

 

[Bodach na mara]

I had a problem with the top bearing binding and got a diagram from another forumite.

I cannot get it to attach, so I will try to find the thread and post a link.

 

[Bodach na mara]

Can't find a link with the picture, but for what it is worth, there is a "float adjuster" which may be your bit of plastic. I actually got the picture by email as the forum does not make it possible to exchange pictures and drawings without linking to an account with a piccie hosting web site.

 

[William_H]

Is the problem because you have got too much tension on the forestay?
If you had an adjustable backstay then you could use that to put load on the forestay only when you need it. ie strong winds.
good luck olewill

 

[danbhoy1888]

Thanks for all advice my next plan is to fit a spacer to reduce free play in the drum where the plastic insert(float adjuster) is and I have also been told to try furling the sail to starboard.
Once this summer shower goes off I will have another look at it if all else fails I will need to fit new furling gear.
I thought about getting professional help from Mast and Rigging Services at Kip Marina but it may be cheaper just to replace the old furling gear.

 

[damo]

I may be a bit late with this but I recently had a similar prob with my Colnbrook gear, although it is a bigger unit. It seems that the bottom "bearing" is just a nylon bushing, but it is important that there is about 3-4mm float ie you should be able to move the whole drum up and down a little.

The top bearing is a s/s ball race, and after replacing the ancient bearings last year it now swivels a treat (I have a bunch of expensive ball bearings left over cos I had to buy them in quantity - can't remember the size offhand)

I have the ancient manual that came with the boat, if anyone needs a copy....

 

[belka]

I have just discovered the same problem with my gear. I've been looking for a seller of parts , if you've any bearings left I would be greatful if you can let me have some. the top roller is jamming under load, its ok when the sail is removed ,when you run the roller at the bottom of the foil you can feel a flat with the bearing I want to either change the top roller with a new one or replace the bearing whichever I can get hold of. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif