jib reefing problems

[jneale]

I have a problem when rolling in my genoa , in as much that a couple of turns fall of the drum and jam up the rewinding in. Why is this happening, and how can I alleviate it. The lead in to the drum looks ok, and I take reasonanable care and releasing and reeling in :ambivalence:

 

[VicS]

What type?

Parts missing?

Photos ?

 

[johnalison]

You may have too many turns on the drum. Ideally, there should only be a few turns left when the sail is fully wound in, needed for those occasions when the sail is furled more tightly.

 

[ashtead]

Multiple likely causes from drum failure to riding turns . Which make and age? When did you last smear it in the blue grease etc ? Which boat ? Have you ever removed the casing ? Do you ever ?

 

[blackbeard]

Used to have this problem.
Have: altered the lead so that line goes on drum in an orderly fashion; removed unnecessary turns so there is less cordage piling up on the drum, and it doesn't spill over the edge; reduced the diameter of the reefing line for the same reasons. Also I keep a little tension on the line all the time so that loops don't fall off the drum (helps if the line is ever so slightly elastic, ie polyester).

 

[Vegable]

Similar to the above.
The furling line should be a dead straight line from the last pulley to the eye to the drum. If the reefing line from the eye to the pulley is either an upwards or a downwards pull you'll get all sorts of knitting on the drum.
Mike

 

[duncan99210]

Look a the diameter of the rope used as the furling line. If it's too thick then even with the right number of turns on the drum it might give rise to the problems outlined by the OP.

 

[lw395]

Harken used to recommend a ratchet block for the furling line, so the line is wound firmly onto the drum.
Don't have too much excess rope on the drum.
Don't sail down wind with the furling line completely slack, as the drum moves a little, it can work the slack line down the drum. Leave a little tension on the furling line.

 

[thinwater]

Using double braid with the core removed works well.

Lots of good advice here. Slack is one of the more common reasons.