Rotostay model G 1984

[catalac]

We need to repair/replace the slider to our Rotostay model G fitted to our 12 metre Catalac . As no new spares are available, has anyone tried to fit an alternative slider to this model please. The extrusion diameter is 1.875 inches (4.6355 cms). Or can anyone offer advice on how they have overcome this problem please? We are trying to avoid the cost of replacing the roller reefing entirely.

 

[pvb]

Early Rotostay systems were fairly simply engineered, so it ought to be possible for you to dismantle the slider and replace bearings/seals. Do you have a photo of it?

 

[catalac]

I have tried to attach a photo, not sure if it has worked.

 

[pvb]

Good photo. It should be possible to dismantle it and see what can be replaced. There may be a grub screw (allen key) preventing it from being unscrewed.

 

[catalac]

No, there is no grub screw. I understand that the top "cap" has to be removed to access the interior, exposing a thick rubber seal, below which are two sets of bearings and a thrust race, all of which have to be identified before they can be replaced. Unfortunately this means dismantling the roller reefing to remove the slider, and the whole thing being out of action until parts can be identified, replacements found, (bearing in mind that they are all imperial sized), and fitted, then reassembled. This would, of course, all take some time, meanwhile the boat would be out of action on its mooring here in France, which is not an ideal situation with the jib disconnected.
Ideally a replacement slider, even one needing bushing or machining out, would be a better bet for us.
Our other option is, of course, to replace the roller reefing, which is 35 years old, after all, but we are trying to avoid that expense if possible.