Facnor Bearings

[IanR]

I have just been quoted rather a lot of money to refurbish my 14 yr old Facnor roller furling genoa and in mast furler. Of course this is based upon "upgrade costs" which include the drum and bearings or the worm gear and bearings. The net cost adds up to approx £1000 when you add halliard swivels etc...

Has anyone successfully replaced the bearings with proper salt water proof thrust bearings?

Is it doable or do you destroy the parts removing them, I am going to drop the mast and do this sensibly, however from first examination I need to get hold of new seals and plastic ball bearing races etc. This is not going to be simple or is it?

Or do I just write off a grand over 14 yrs?

Any advice from those who have trodden this path much appreciated.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Why not strip it down, clean all the componants, check them for wear, and try to source bearings seals etc from companies like BSL, if you can get the sizes from the old bearings, seals etc.
You might save a lot of money for a little effort.
Most good bearing companies will be able to source any type of bearing and seal.
Good luck.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Yes I agree . If you have the mast down you can check all the bearings for wear. Someone had to assemble it in the first place so it should not be to hard to take apart . You could always go back to the old way with a track up the mast but you would probably need a new sail to fit .. Have fun sounds like a good winter project .. Hope it all works out .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Modulation]

It's worth dealing direct with Facnor in France, if you can. I managed to persuade them to sell me a jib furling drum last year - it was totally knackered - and they charged about 50% of quote in UK even including delivery. I know they sometimes won't deal with "retail" so you could be rebuffed.
/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Mind you the £ was a lot stronger then.