Rotostay furling direction

[PaulGS]

The boat I bought last year has an elderly but perfectly functional Rotostay E furler. Although I've 'hanked on' the genoa correctly (the setting and reefing directions are specified on the drum) the sail has an obvious 'barber pole' appearance - I can only conclude that the UV protection is on the wrong side of the sail for whatever reason. Whilst the furler installation instructions are very specific about observing the prescribed directions of rotation I can't really understand why I can't just refit the reefing halyard 'backwards' and rid myself of the sails odd appearance? Am I missing something?

 

[Refueler]

I had same occur with my 608 .... I replaced my old genny and the 'new' 2nd hand genny had the UV on other side ...

I swapped over the direction of furling .. feels strange after over 20yrs of one way ! It works - but you can see that the feed is not quite right .. but as I say - it works.

My Conq 38 has no UV strip and I actually see quite a few boats now without UV ... I may just swap back and accept the barbers pole effect !!

 

[ylop]

My Conq 38 has no UV strip and I actually see quite a few boats now without UV ... I may just swap back and accept the barbers pole effect !!

Are they without UV? One option when replacing sails recently was to have a white UV/Sacrificial strip. None of the sailmakers suggested not having a strip at all.

 

[Refueler]

Are they without UV? One option when replacing sails recently was to have a white UV/Sacrificial strip. None of the sailmakers suggested not having a strip at all.

I know about the different colours incl white.

I would not make such statement if it was not seen. I agree that most still have UV .. but as I say - I am noting more boats without.

 

[neil_s]

I have a Rotostay E, too. I think you're correct, there is nothing in the mechanism that will be damaged by changing the direction of roll and the control line feeder will work equally well for either direction. One thing maybe to bear in mind, though, is the lock nut securing the threaded end of the forestay within the drum. If this not tight enough, a heavy pull on the control line (to reef in rough weather) might cause the forestay to undo!

 

[fredrussell]

... One thing maybe to bear in mind, though, is the lock nut securing the threaded end of the forestay within the drum. If this not tight enough, a heavy pull on the control line (to reef in rough weather) might cause the forestay to undo!

Was thinking the same thing. My Rotostay (FS model) the drum attaches to foil with a left hand thread so that when you’re hauling sail in under load it doesn’t undo. Might not be an issue on an E model though, depending on how drum attaches - see if you can find an exploded diagram of one perhaps.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I fitted a uv strip to my new to me genoa, it worked ok when ashore but when used with wind, the spar unscrewed from the drum! It's a Left Hand thread! I temporarily screwed the two parts together with straps and replaced the uv strip on the correct side when laid up. On mine the uv strip is on the LH side, as viewed from the stern. Check yours.

 

[Thresher]

Was thinking the same thing. My Rotostay (FS model) the drum attaches to foil with a left hand thread so that when you’re hauling sail in under load it doesn’t undo. Might not be an issue on an E model though, depending on how drum attaches - see if you can find an exploded diagram of one perhaps.

Having dismantled my Rotostay E last year, I can confirm that the drum is attached with a left handed thread.

 

[PaulGS]

The 'Left Hand Thread' issue is doubtless the reason for such definite instruction on the drum as to direction of rotation. I think I'm going to leave well alone!