Antal Spinnaker Pole Hoist Question

[Kenomac]

I've decided to start using our spinnaker pole on a regular basis to pole out the yankee and for a flopper stopper. Here's the issue I discovered today while trying to use the Antal hoist mechanism... it's extremely tight and difficult to crank. Is the line running through the device supposed to be that tight? Or has it shrunk up over the past 15 years and is now as tight as a crossbow.

My plans are to release some of the pressure on the line tomorrow and see if there's a difference. Do these devices need any maintenance which might make it easier to use?

Cheers

Ken

[UNCIVILIZED]

Not to be a wise ass, but what system onboard a boat do you know that doesn't require periodic maintenance? Also from the corrosion around those mounting screws for the unit, there's probably some internal corrosion in the mechanism, though that's a guess. And have you tried any lubrication at all? That or talking to Antal?

[Kenomac]

OK let me re-phrase the question: Are the lines running through the mechanism supposed to be as bow tight as they are?

[Jim Cate]

Don't know about the Antal, but on our non-geared pole lift having the lines tight markedly increases friction losses.

Jim

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Don't know about the Antal, but on our non-geared pole lift having the lines tight markedly increases friction losses.

Jim

Thanks.

I'm going to loosen the line tomorrow morning and take off the face plate to lubricate. Right now, the line is incredibly tight, I'm thinking it must have shrunk up in the sun.

[admiralslater]

I use those line drivers for raising and lowering my daggerboards . The unloaded side is very loose . There is not much in the maintenance to do on these . I would suggest that old stiff rope is the issue . Also maybe even a dirty track . (There's a joke there somewhere).
I really like mine ,and pdq used them on the Bimini tops for main travellers

[a64pilot]

I'm going to guess someone tightened then to stop slap, not that they shrunk, but I am not familiar with that system