Replacing Rod Rigging

[Chainplate]

Our old Reckmann furlers have to use rod rigging so after 30 years of hard sailing, we figured it was time to replace the rod. However, once the furlers were stretched out on the ground, it became obvious that they aren't going to come apart easily. I'm at a loss on how to separate the foil sections, which I need to do to get to the nylon (I think they're nylon) bearings and spacers. The foil sections should just slide apart but they're not budging.

I sure would appreciate hearing from anyone who has faced this problem. Our rigger here in Thailand is suggesting that we buy new furlers and I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.


Fair winds and calm seas.

[Douglas]

Maybe you can , "Think outside the box" , and cut them where needed then re-splice them .
Other methods might use heat to help break the bond .

I am wondering if caustic soda might help ?

Please let us know what works for you .

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Thirty years is plenty long enough for the stainless inserts and screws in these units to react with the aluminum sections, and form a fused mass. Possibly some chemical solvent would make the aluminum oxide go away, but also possibly the aluminum has been seriously compromised by the corrosion. The only option I can think of that doesn't involve new furlers is to remove the old rod, slide it out, slide new rod in with one end unfinished, and head that rod in place. The rod will be new, but of course it will be living inside antique furlers of unknown integrity.
I wish I had better suggestions, but from here it looks like the optimal thing would be new rod and new furlers.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss