roller furling

[Ludd]

I have a roller furling foil-- no forestay- only aluminium extrusion with internal s/s rod-- think of Scandinavian origin as fittedto NAB 35. Rigger: ''must have a forestay!'' Me '' NO''
Next day-- same rigger --''oh, these were well known for catastrophic(sic) failure under pressure, it really has to be replaced''

Any knowledge , informed comment,or(preferably) reassurance? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[chiefeng]

Stainless steel needs oxygen to stop "corroding" and if oxygen is excluded from s/s then when it does go it goes with a complete failure and no warning. If yu can inspect the internal rod then that will give you an indication and you can make your decision to replace or renew the rod.
Rgds
Bob

 

[Ludd]

Hadn't considered the oxygen angle-----no way to inspect.I do ,however,sail with inner (emergency)forestay rigged as cutter stay,so I will carry on as is.I don't think I'd replace--would rather go to hanks. Wouldn't mind knowing who made the furling gear,which after 35years still works well---anybody help?

 

[colvic987]

If you could supply some pics of the furling gear, especially the drum, some salty seadog should be able to supply you with the details of the make. good luck..

I also have an old furling gear i have never seen before on any other boat, but it all works well so still happy with it.