Dismantling Rotostay IV furling drum

[tony_lavelle]

The Rotostay IV furler (model 438R) on my Westerly Corsair is less than 3 years old but after 9 months ashore became stiff to operate and occasionally locked up. None of the info on these and other forums was any help in taking it apart and Paul Cochrane of XW Rigging (he and his dad Ian owned Rotamarine, now defunct) could not provide any information or advice other that "it's not rocket science".

Anyway, I managed to get the drum off without dropping any bits in the Medway and have taken photos which may help anyone in the same position. The 16 ball bearings seem OK but there was a bit of swarf which might have caused the locking up. One of the 2 open holes in the drum leads into the ball race presumably for lubrication. However small bits of grit could also find their way in. The stiffness seems to be caused by swelling of the black Delrin bush at the top of the drum. It spins on the shaft but sticks when inserted in the drum. I'll put some Teflon lubricant on the bush.

I intend to put the ball bearings back with waterproof grease and hope it works better. Note the black Delrin bush is the wrong way round on the shaft in the second and third photos, sorry.

 

[MrCramp]

I thought I had seen all the different rotostay models, but I have not seen yours before. I am used to them either being a sealed unit top and bottom with waterproof grease lubricating the bearings, or on my present one, an open race at the top with stainless steel bearings open to the elements and plastic (delron??) bearings at the bottom, again open, which need to be washed out with clean water every so often.

Are you sure it is the bottom bearing/etc. that is causing the problem or is it the top bearing assembly?

I think Paul gets a load of calls asking for free advice and I do have some sympathy with his situation. I would consider taking the whole swivel assemblies to him to service for you if you cannot sort the problem out.

 

[wpoulsen]

I am also having a problem dismantling my Rotostay IV and would like to view your pictures, can you tell me where they are displayed please?

 

[tony_lavelle]

I don't know how to upload photos to the forum. Please PM me with your email address and I'll send you my pics.

 

[wpoulsen]

Hi Tony

I've managed to take it apart now, and have solved the problem of a seized lower thread by incorporating a rigging screw into the arrangement, allowing me to tension the rig externally to itself.

I'd still be interested in seeing your photos, my email address is william@poulsen.co.uk, thanks for sending.

Regards

William

 

[tony_lavelle]

William
I have emailed you with the photos in case they are still of use to you. I don't unedrstand how you got a rigging screw into the arrangement as the lower part consists of a massive rigging screw anyway.
Tony