Mainsail Feeder
The mainsail feeder can have the tendency to catch on seams along the mainsail boltrope. The feeder
can be opened up using a pair of needle-nose vise grips to provide a more forgiving entry for the sail.
Though it’s not shown in the photos below (for clarity), a piece of cloth or tape should be wrapped
around the feeder bars when bending them so that they are not scraped by the vice grip jaws.
Furler System
We’ve heard some comments about excessive friction while furling and unfurling, and are currently
working with Harken to define the causes. In-deck furlers do tend to have more friction than the
above-deck versions, but they should still function reliably.
We’re currently focusing on these things:
1.
Ensuring that the furler line is led correctly through the fairlead on the furler bracket before
passing through the bushing on the forward bulkhead. This can be checked by removing the
small panel (4 screws) under the deck in the bow.
2.
Making sure there is not an excessive amount of line on the furler drum. When the jib is fully
rolled, plus a few turns to wrap the sheets around it, there should be only 1-2 turns of line left
on the furling drum.
3.
Checking to be sure the top swivel is installed with the split ring upward. This keeps the outer
casing of the swivel stationary, rather than trying to rotate and possibly rubbing the mast or the
halyard if it were installed upside-down.
4.
Keeping a little tension on the furling line as the jib is unfurled so that the line winds evenly on
the drum.
We’ll pass on more findings as they become available.
Safety Line Chafe
The safety lines run just past the upper shrouds on each side and can easily chafe in that location.
Taping the lines and/or upper shrouds at that spot can help prevent this. While the stanchions have
radiused ferrules, the system is designed for tight safety lines (it’s also a class rule). The looser they
are, the more likely they are to chafe or potentially break. We recommend periodic inspection of the
safety lines and when in doubt, replace with new line.
