Furling headsail - maintenance

[tarik]

Evening all,

I have a furling headsail, and would like to do some maintenance on the base unit. Do I take it apart and fill it with grease, or spray WD40 or some other lubricant?

What does the Team think?



As always many thanks for all replies


David

 

[sailorman]

Evening all,

I have a furling headsail, and would like to do some maintenance on the base unit. Do I take it apart and fill it with grease, or spray WD40 or some other lubricant?

What does the Team think?



As always many thanks for all replies


David

first download the manual for what ever gear you may have

 

[theoldsalt]

In my experience they are "maintenance-free" so if working do not take it apart.

Do you have a reason for the maintenance?

It is usually the top sliding swivel that usually causes problems.

 

[sailorman]

In my experience they are "maintenance-free" so if working do not take it apart.

Do you have a reason for the maintenance?

he has been on a boat since in nappies so ought to know

 

[maby]

Standard maintenance for most models is to simply hose them out with fresh water to clean out any salt.

 

[sarabande]

if you are going to undertake any dis-assembly work (e.g. if the freshwater squirt doesn't make it all whizz round properly) then a huge table cloth under the furling bit is essential.

Soddes's Law and ball bearings are not mutually harmonious.


EDIT Memory flash. Some bearings are not metal and may be reactive to WD40....

 

[merlin3688]

Knowing the model would be good, some as has been mentioned have balls that just fall out! If you are looking at the drum, the halyard swivel is worth checking as well.

 

[MoodySabre]

I had my Furlex serviced this year whilst the mast was down. The bottom bit was OK but the balls in the top swivel had disintegrated. I have a Furlex manual if you want a copy (PM your email address).

 

[CreakyDecks]

The manual for mine said just use fresh water.

 

[tarik]

Furler.

I had my Furlex serviced this year whilst the mast was down. The bottom bit was OK but the balls in the top swivel had disintegrated. I have a Furlex manual if you want a copy (PM your email address).

Great news, thank you - PM sent.


David

 

[sailorman]

http://www.seldenmast.com/page.cfm?id=5564

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=se...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[tarik]

http://www.seldenmast.com/page.cfm?id=5564

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=se...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Many thanks - very useful


David

 

[Fantasie 19]

Standard maintenance for most models is to simply hose them out with fresh water to clean out any salt.

+1

 

[Slowtack]

Water only, grease will absorb salt and destroy the bearings!

 

[Finbar]

Some are happy with a fresh water rinse, but Furlex need the drum taken off, and a good application of Furlex Grease, to a few bearings. Its all in the manual, and the grease is usually supplied with the kit, but can be bought on its own. A slightly fiddly job, and a sheet to catch stray bits is a good idea even if you do not set the bearings loose.

 

[William_H]

Roller reefing

I don't know much about these however when helping a friend with a nearly new Beneteau I was surprised at how much friction there is in the top thrust bearing. This was a sealed style and it turned out quite normal that it will not "spin" but will turn but not easily. So yours may seem stiff but this may be normal. good luck olewill

 

[theoldsalt]

I was in error with my last post. Finbar is quite correct the Furlex manual does give instructions for greasing the bearings.

This video may also be of help for Furlex owners.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2jmb7Sk3So