Hardware at Top of Roller Furling Jib?

[71grampian26]

Greetings-

First, thanks for a great forum and community -- I've learned a ton here as I've been searching for and ultimately buying my fist sailboat, a Grampian 26.

Now, my first post, and most likely a total newbie question. The boat I purchased has a very basic roller furling unit on the bow. Judging by the stamped "s" I'm 99% sure it's a Sheafer unit. It's essentially two discs of stainless steel separated by a shaft; the top disc spins and the lower is fixed. There are also two side vertical side pieces, about 3/4 inches wide, that I believe are fixed to the bottom piece. That's all this to it. So here's my question: the top of the sail does't have any type of hardware on it -- just the eye for the halyard's swivel shackle to snap into. Am I missing some sort of rotating piece to have up the between the shackle and sail?

Thanks in advance, and I really look forward to leaning more and more from this great group.

[SaucySailoress]

Welcome aboard, and blomin' 'eck, you got me there. I have to admit I have never once thought about what's at the top of our roller furling...! Give it a few minutes, someone will know!

[71grampian26]

Sorry about the title/caps etiquette, SS! I promise it won't happen again!

Here's a pic of the furling unit:

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by 71grampian26

here's my question: the top of the sail does't have any type of hardware on it -- just the eye for the halyard's swivel shackle to snap into. Am I missing some sort of rotating piece to have up the between the shackle and sail?

Any possibility of a couple pics,

But YES, you do need some sort of swivel at the head of the sail. If you do not, the halyard will be wound around the headstay above the sail as you furl the sail. Secondarily it carries the head loads and prevents the sail from being ripped out of the foil groove.

[SaucySailoress]

Originally Posted by 71grampian26

Sorry about the title/caps etiquette, SS! I promise it won't happen again!

You are so welcome

Originally Posted by 71grampian26

Here's a pic of the furling unit:

Erm - I'm not an expert in furling systems, like I mentioned... but I'm pretty sure there's supposed to be some sort of forestay and luff foil attached to it...

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by 71grampian26

Here's a pic of the furling unit:

Ahh . . . I believe that is a 'free/rope luff' furling unit. Its normally used for a light air reacher/drifter and not a usual working jib. The drifter/reacher is supposed to have a high modulus rope (or wire) sewn into the luff, which acts as both the stay and it furls around.

But yes, you are definitely missing a swivel for the top. They can be purchased separately.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, 71grampian26.

Originally Posted by 71grampian26

... Judging by the stamped "s" I'm 99% sure it's a Sheafer* unit...

Yes, you appear to be missing the Foil & Upper Swivel Assembly, and etc.
Goto Schaefer* ➥ Schaefer Marine - Jib Furling
Parts ➥ Schaefer Marine - Jib Furling

* Another example of the importance of correct spelling.

[71grampian26]

Terrific; thanks all. I'm off to see what other parts I need.

[estarzinger]

I think you are looking for the top swivel from one of these 'free flying furlers'

Schaefer Marine - Jib Furling

[71grampian26]

Thanks again, everyone. I'm going to dig around on the boat this weekend and see if I overlooked it.