Furling headsail

Depends on the make, and the composition of the bearings. If there and in sound condition many manufacturers suggest a flush out with fresh water and a light spray of silicon so as not to attract grit......
Do you have a manual?
 
single said:
What is the best way to lubricate my furling headsail.Its very stiff so is it the bearings or something else?
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This may be an indication of a serious problem. Worth a careful investigation including a look at the forestay if there is ANY doubt.

I have seen a unit where a frozen top swivel was causing the forestay wire to twist.

So it deserves more than a spray of WD 40 and crossed fingers.
 
TQA said:
This may be an indication of a serious problem. Worth a careful investigation including a look at the forestay if there is ANY doubt.

I have seen a unit where a frozen top swivel was causing the forestay wire to twist.

So it deserves more than a spray of WD 40 and crossed fingers.
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Seems to be getting stiffer each year. Not sure what make without going down there.I'll have a good look I think.
 
We a had similar problem with our Plastimo 809s furling gear.At the end of last year it became very stiff to the point of someone having to go forward and manually turn the drum to get the sail furled.Had a good look at top swivel and forestay,all good so problem was with the drum.Tried the boiling water trick but the drum looked to be pretty well sealed with no apparent means of lubricating whatever type of bearing was inside so this made no difference.Nothing on internet about diagrams for the 809s as its so old (1989 vintage) but plenty for the newer types.Bit the bullet and dismantled drum as far as possible with it insitu then poured boiling water over it and a good soaking in GT85.More boiling water poured on and then another good soaking with spray silicon.After putting it all back together we were well chuffed to find its furling action was finger light.Not bad for a 24 year old bit of kit.So dismantle yours as far as you can and give it a good clean and hopefully it should be better.
 
nathanglasgow said:
We a had similar problem with our Plastimo 809s furling gear.At the end of last year it became very stiff to the point of someone having to go forward and manually turn the drum to get the sail furled.Had a good look at top swivel and forestay,all good so problem was with the drum.Tried the boiling water trick but the drum looked to be pretty well sealed with no apparent means of lubricating whatever type of bearing was inside so this made no difference.Nothing on internet about diagrams for the 809s as its so old (1989 vintage) but plenty for the newer types.Bit the bullet and dismantled drum as far as possible with it insitu then poured boiling water over it and a good soaking in GT85.More boiling water poured on and then another good soaking with spray silicon.After putting it all back together we were well chuffed to find its furling action was finger light.Not bad for a 24 year old bit of kit.So dismantle yours as far as you can and give it a good clean and hopefully it should be better.
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Sounds like my problem. I'll try boiling water.
 
I've got a similar sounding problem with my old Rotostay. I'm planning to give it a go at lubricating this weekend. Whats' the idea with Boiling water?
 
Might also be worth checking that the genoa halyard is not pulled up ridiculously tight ! Thought we had a problem with ours till it was noticed that an overenthusiastic crew had winched the headsail up to aboout 300lb/ft .

Good luck with the boiling water and GT85 as well...
 
My furling has needle roller bearings - I bought and changed the needles - the cylindrical rollers - most of them were crushed - and then I had smooth motion again.
 
Same problem recently with Plastimo furler ?809s. Had to wind in on a winch one day. Tried the boiling water with no benefit. Was on my knees in frustration when I noticed there was a slight 'give' of around 3-4mm within the drum. When lifted no problem. Once I put a little extra tension on genoa halyard problem resolved.
 
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