Furling problem: Facnor LS180 Halyard Swivel

[Mistroma]

Halyard swivel on foresail furling seized today but at least I managed to unwrap the sail and lower it. However, the halyard swivel was still jamming under load (tested at deck level). I've rinsed it with some Pro-Lube and that has helped as it seems to furl without too much problem. It is still tight when unrolling. At least the sail is back up and most likely to jam furled. So will head for Baiona tomorrow and anchor there to decide on next step.

It's a Facnor LS180 (new 2009) but I think the only dealer in Spain is in Barcelona, so not much use in the Rias.

Anyone had any experience of dismantling the swivel on a Facnor LS180? I haven't found schematics on-line yet. I suspect that I'll have problems getting spare bearings. Usual story nowadays is that it's sealed for life and cheaper to buy a new boat.

 

[jwilson]

Last year had to replace both drum unit and top swivel on a Facnor on a 35 ft Jeanneau launched 2005, bearings said to be non-replaceable. Did not have time to investigate dismantling to see if I could source replacement bearings. Went from working fine to very stiff to almost jammed very quickly.

 

[Mistroma]

Seems to be standard now, replace complete item instead of swapping out the small worn part. Furler was working fine, became a little stiff and didn't want to unroll next time it was used.

I was hoping that someone had dismantled a swivel and knew if parts were available. I'm going to try asking Facnor directly but suspect they will say non-replaceable.

My previous boat had a 30+ year old Rotostay that was in perfect order. I dismantled it, cleaned & greased it every few years. Only thing I ever bought were some ball bearings when they became a little pitted after 20+ years.