In mast furling problems

[Chris CJ]

We have a seldon in mast furling , been working ok , until we change the old sails for new Kemp sails , both have vertical battens. The new sail snags in the top 3 or 4 m and doesn’t unfurl , managed to get it down after much pulling and tugging . After some research the inner foil has been tightened up , the sail is back in the bag , but before attempting another go , does anyone have any ot

 

[Chris CJ]

Any thoughts or suggestions to overcome this difficulties

 

[cmedsailor]

The only time I had problems unfurling my in mast sail (with long vertical battens) is when I had forgotten to release the tension of the leach line during furling it. Something probably to consider.

 

[greeny]

Assuming you bought the new sails from Kemp. have you asked them for their input and advice? A new furling sail needs to be able to furl. They designed it and built it so should be able to help you.

 

[Chris CJ]

Cmedsailor - another thing to put on my check list - most helpful
greeny - email sent to kemps yesterday and will follow with a phone call today , they are very local , one of the reasons for our order with them. Thanks for your prompt responses both

 

[alexincornwall]

If it snags at the top I'd be looking at your topping lift. We have to fully release our topping lift before furling so as to keep tension on the leach. If the leach is lose it won't furl neatly which causes issues for getting it out. Probably best to play around with vang, topping lift, and halyard tension on a windless day to see what combination works best.

 

[CJ13]

Inmast sails like a vertical mast. Check you haven’t got to much mast bend when furling, ie release the back stay.

 

[Chris CJ]

Thanks Alex and JF , I have eased the topping lift by about 50mm when the vang kicks in supporting the boom , if necessary I’ll adjust the vang , good point about keeping tension on the leach
I did look at the mast bend , it had more bend than anticipated so eased the back stay by 50mm , mast much straighter with a slight amount of bend , will have to look at the Genoa tension when set to make sure there is sufficient tension to offset easing of the back stay
thanks both - all most helpful
Chris

 

[tudorsailor]

I have Hood inmast furling. I was told by my sailmaker that the boom should be about 7 degrees to the horizontal when furling. In that way the bottom of the sail spirals up and does not wind on iteslf. I now have the topping lift marked with whipping and adjust before unfurling or furling. I dont know if that helps but worth noting.

 

[Chris CJ]

Thanks Tudorsailor , Selden recommend angle is 87.5 degrees , yep with an enlarged protractor the boom was set at this , yet we still have problems with the vertical sail battens spiralling within the mast causing a jam. Kemp Sails did responded for my calls for assistance , freed the jam above the second spreader , then set up the boom for the battens to go in parallel to the mast . Not as straight forward as you might expect as the boom had to be adjusted for each of the 4 sail battens in turn . on fully unfurling the sail the mandrel within the mast was fairly slack , although I’d tightened it up earlier . there maybe a problem with the mandrel having parted or part disconnected somewhere in the mast .We are in the process of arranging a rigger to inspect , repair and service the electric furling system . Fingers crossed this resolves this furling issue without having to take the mast down.
I’ll let the forum know how this progresses
chris

 

[Richard10002]

When I had a Selden in mast furling system, a rigger in Malta advised a new sail to solve a similar jamming problem.... No joy.

In the end, a grub screw adjuster in the mechanism at the bottom of the sail had come loose and, once this had been discovered and rectified, all was good. Hard to believe a rigger wouldn't be aware of how the major furling systems work. Tried to charge me extra for the sail when it arrived as well!!

BTW: Does the old sail still furl OK?

 

[Chris CJ]

Thanks Richard , i will check the adjusting grub screw to make sure , I haven’t tried the old sail since , this had crossed my mind to do so , as another means of checking . Awaiting on the rigger‘s suggestions , they are very busy with the lead upto Round the Island race on Saturday As they are based in Poole.

 

[Richard10002]

I haven’t tried the old sail since , this had crossed my mind to do so , as another means of checking .

Whilst a real pain in the neck, if the old sail furls fine, you will know that the problem is not with the furling gear, (other than some fine tuning perhaps, but I wouldnt be expecting the issues you speak of).

 

[Chris CJ]

Richard, riggers are booked in for Tuesday - although this may change due to weather conditions , it will be interesting to hear what they discover and remedy.