Roller Furler & Rig Tension - Top

[benjiwoodboat]

Hello All,
Tuning the rig with roller furling is new for me.

Accessing the turnbuckle is nearly impossible. There are metal straps that surround it.
However it is still possible for me to make small adjustments. But upon removing the mast and inspecting the top end of the roller furler, I see that the aluminum tube is pressed up hard against the swage, which I assume will prevent or at least inhibit further tightening of the headstay.

Am I understanding this correctly? If this is not corrrect, then what is the remedy? Seems like the aluminum foil is too long.

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Yes, that is certainly going to prevent tensioning. What brand is this? Would you post a picture of the bottom end?
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[benjiwoodboat]

Ok, that's good news, at least I'm on the right track... thanks for the reply Brion. ill have to snap a photo of the bottom. It's a ProFurl on 5/16" wire.

Will be selling this unit actually. Going to hank on for stays'l. But I think our genoa has similar issue. Will reply here tomorrow.

-Ben (Norseman 447 in Maine)

[benjiwoodboat]

This is the lower end of the Pro Furl unit pictured above… Trying to determine if its possible to tighten the inner forestay… its rather floppy.

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
There are two screws that secure the tops ends of the two long linkplates. The screws are either titanium or stainless. With a great large deal of luck, you might find that you can remove them. If so, do it. then raise the drum and foil a bit, and the linkplates will fall out of the drum assembly, but still be attached at the bottom end, to that shouldered bolt that the toggle is also attached to. With the linkplates out of the way, you can adjust the turnbuckle. WARNING: If you do this while the stay is in the boat, first suspend the foil by hitching a halyard to it. Otherwise the foil will slam down and shear off a crucial plastic bushing at the bottom. How do I know this?
If you cannot remove the screws, even with the use of heat, an impact driver, and cursing, you will have to drill them out. Yes, a stupid arrangement.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss