Old rotastay problems

[Durcott]

Hi Folks,

I have an old Northley 34 - with a Rotastay II on the jib.

I bought the boat a few months ago, but it sometimes reminds me of a clown's car. Looks good, but be careful not to touch anything in case it breaks.

Anyway - finally got round to unfurl the genoa ready for inspection. It was a real battle both to unfurl, and then to take down.

Turns out the track has a sharp bend in it.

Is this repairable?? and if not - can I still get the foil replaced?

Thanks

Jeff Adams

Thanks

Jeff Adams

 

[Talbot]

http://www.xwrigging.co.uk/ for rotostay stuff (Gosport marina)

 

[Durcott]

Thanks for that.

Looks like I can get a trade in at least /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Jeff

 

[savageseadog]

I've got a couple of luff sections for the Rotostay II, I've kept them as spares for our own unit. I've stripped ours down a couple of times for storage so I know how to do it.

 

[Sheff]

If it's a problem to furl/unfurl then it's likely the bearings at the top and/or bottom of the furling gear have failed.
The Rotostay II had a design fault in that the bearings are an integral part of the forestay and, therefore, take the full load while sailing.
They had failed on my system which only became apparent when trying to reef (just when you need it to work).
Rotostay offered to refurbish (for a princely sum) or discount me a new system............. I bought a Sailspar system instead............. so far it has been perfect.

 

[Durcott]

I'm pretty sure it's the bend in the extrusion - however I take your point.

I saw the offer from Rotostay to take this off my hands for a shiny new one.

Maybe I should widen the scope of alternatives.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Guest]

If its foil problem ... they are in sections and you can replace sections without paying out for drums etc.

Rotostay ... you can get parts via many outlets - such as Arun Sails for example ... certain outlets can be more expensive ... nudge nudge ....

 

[nigelhudson]

Is it single or twin luff groove? XW did a trade in on our old Rotostay II when we replaced all the standing rigging. I later found out that the twin groove extrusion is no longer available and therefore much in demand for refurbishing older systems. XW are happy to give a trade-in on old systems because the extrusion is so valuable to them!
I have to say that the the replacement Rotostay IV has so far proved to be problem-free.

 

[john_morris_uk]

We used to have a Rotostay. They are ok when they work, but very expensive to repair. They also suffer from corrosion between the aluminium and stainless parts which make them almost impossible to dismantle.

In the end we cut our losses and fitted a Furlex.

 

[Durcott]

Hi Nigel,

it's single groove.

Jeff