Retrofitting a rotostay furler

[Slinky Spring]

I have purchased an older model rotostay furler on behalf of a friend and will be helping him to fit it.
Firstly suggestions please on how far below the top of the forestay should the foil finish.
Secondly, the furler has come with a forestay which is plastic coated and in good condition. Should I have this cut to length or should the existing forestay(non coated) be okay to use. Will the plastic coated one have been specifically designed for the purpose etc.
Any advice or links welcomed

 

[MGambling]

The plastic covered forestat I believe is essential. I have fitting instructions for rotostay models E04 to E07 if you would like. PM me I ll send you a copy.

 

[Dipper]

Since the Rotostay has come with the original forestay, you can lay it out on the ground and measure the correct distance from the top of the foil to the mast fitting.

Many Rotostay models must be fitted with the plastic covered forestay. I renewed mine a couple of years ago. At the time, Rotostay said that if a bare wire was fitted, it would rub on the inside of the foil and the aluminium filings which would be produced would fall down onto the bearing and damage it.

Roller furling gear puts extra stresses and strains on a forestay. Unless the one that comes with the Rotostay is less than 10 years old or has had a very gentle life, I would consider replacing it. An insurance survey may very well ask for this to be changed anyway.

 

[neil_s]

The foil should be just the right length so that the black alloy top cap bears on the swaged end fitting. No wire should be visible. I replaced my forestay with non-plastic covered wire last winter. Operation of the rotostay is definitely not so smooth. Getting hold of the plastic coated wire is not so easy, these days.

Neil

 

[geoffatstanpit]

Mine has 5" of forestay showing between the swage and the black top fitting of the foil. If it was any nearer the black thing would catch on the halyard where it exits the mast.

 

[MGambling]

you just have to pay up and get it from rotostay

 

[spinny]

[ QUOTE ]
Getting hold of the plastic coated wire is not so easy, these days.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can get it here and with swaged end terminals.
http://www.sw-marine.co.uk/acatalog/PVC_Covered_1_x_19_Stainless_Steel_Wire.html

 

[neil_s]

When I had the forestay some years ago (that one was plastic covered) I asked for the forestay to be made a few inches longer so I could introduce a bit of mast rake. I was told that it wasn't advisable because the end of the foil would then bear on the wire and introduce a stress point. If extra length in the forestay was needed, it should be provided by inserting a toggle or two. I have to confess that that forestay wasn't provided by Rotostay either!

Neil