How to Replace Continuous Furling Line

[nickfox45]

While sailing last weekend my continuous furling loop that powers my Selden in-mast furler on our Hunter 380 snapped while we were bringing in the main. I knew the line was worn out and needed replacing, so I blame myself that it finally gave in. Thankfully everyone was safe and nothing else was damaged except a single sheave.

Now to the question: How do I go about replacing this line? The only thing I can figure is to buy an unfinished line and have it spliced once it's already properly run. I might be able to work a finished continuous loop through the mast winch (the one with ratchet vs. free settings) but I can't figure how it'd pass through the two clutches (one for main in, one for main out). Are there other solutions I'm not considering here?

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by nickfox45

While sailing last weekend my continuous furling loop that powers my Selden in-mast furler on our Hunter 380 snapped while we were bringing in the main. I knew the line was worn out and needed replacing, so I blame myself that it finally gave in. Thankfully everyone was safe and nothing else was damaged except a single sheave.

Now to the question: How do I go about replacing this line? The only thing I can figure is to buy an unfinished line and have it spliced once it's already properly run. I might be able to work a finished continuous loop through the mast winch (the one with ratchet vs. free settings) but I can't figure how it'd pass through the two clutches (one for main in, one for main out). Are there other solutions I'm not considering here?

End to end splice. Simples. I had to do one at sea this year for my Selden furling.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

End to end splice. Simples. I had to do one at sea this year for my Selden furling.

+1

http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/...or_End_WEB.pdf

[nickfox45]

Thanks for the confirmation and link. Looking at buying Samson Rope as a replacement as it happens.

I'm a little intimidated to do my own splicing on such an important line on my boat, but after calling a local shop for pricing, I think I may be getting some practice!

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by nickfox45

Thanks for the confirmation and link. Looking at buying Samson Rope as a replacement as it happens.

I'm a little intimidated to do my own splicing on such an important line on my boat, but after calling a local shop for pricing, I think I may be getting some practice!

Splicing is a fundamental skill. I recommend Brian Toss' books and tools; the D-splice fiddling is also great.

Marlow and probably others make special rope which works really well for this application: https://www.marlowropes.com/product/mgp-furler-50

The splice itself is an easy one:

https://youtu.be/4FAkLt66Mg0

Good luck!

[Scatterling]

Originally Posted by nickfox45

.....I'm a little intimidated to do my own splicing on such an important line on my boat......

Doesn't that line simply allow you to operate the mast-mounted winch from the cockpit? If it fails, you have the option to operate the winch with a handle, so I'm missing why it's such an important line, unless you're singlehanded.

[nickfox45]

Originally Posted by Scatterling

Doesn't that line simply allow you to operate the mast-mounted winch from the cockpit? If it fails, you have the option to operate the winch with a handle, so I'm missing why it's such an important line, unless you're singlehanded.

I'm still new to my boat, but operating that mast-mounted winch the other day was not easy. The mainsheet and outhaul lines run past it, making it hard to do more than a 1/4 turn at a time. Plus sitting on the deck and slowly operating that winch didn't seem nearly as safe as doing so from the cockpit. Getting my main in when I need it is pretty near the top of my list for safe boating requirements.

[tdoster]

Originally Posted by nickfox45

Thanks for the confirmation and link. Looking at buying Samson Rope as a replacement as it happens.

I'm a little intimidated to do my own splicing on such an important line on my boat, but after calling a local shop for pricing, I think I may be getting some practice!

My wife became a pro at it from watching Youtube videos. Not as hard as it looks.

[stnick]

You can watch Brian Toss on you tube on how to splice. This skill it part of sailing yes you will have to practice of 2 ft pieces till you get it . But than You can fix the next one on your own.
To be in control of your boat and skill is a gift you give your self and your ship .

[stnick]

Nick sounds like your mast winch may be just two small for the job. I just replaced my lewmar 16 with a ANDERSON 28 2 speed self tailing winch so my wife could raise the sail and reef the main. She just loves the hard work out stuff. !

[captaindanger70]

so, a quick trick for furling, a cordless drill with the right bit and you have an expensive electric furler at the mast.

[stnick]

The drill does work of course. Its a 400 investment and you need to cheage it back up . Now I have a generator but most do not . So long cruises you must do alot of self sufficent type of sailing.
If you just day sail yup thats certainly a answer.
I do like winches that take no power from my batterys ! Even my anchor windless on my 38 is a Manual Lofrans. My wife just loves the crank work out ! ? Im just very lucky she loves to be involved.

[captaindanger70]

Originally Posted by stnick

The drill does work of course. Its a 400 investment and you need to cheage it back up . Now I have a generator but most do not . So long cruises you must do alot of self sufficent type of sailing.
If you just day sail yup thats certainly a answer.
I do like winches that take no power from my batterys ! Even my anchor windless on my 38 is a Manual Lofrans. My wife just loves the crank work out ! ? Im just very lucky she loves to be involved.

Really what fake news are you buying from, check home depot and be sure to get 19v

[jackjb53]

Nickfox45, I have a selden in mast furler on my Hu ter as well. I am 99.9% sure that you can buy a pre made continuous furling line from Hunter and that there is a simple way to install it. Carefully review your Selden owners manual. I believe that is where I saw it. If not the folks at Hu ter could tell you. Best of luck to you!

[stnick]

Originally Posted by captaindanger70

Really what fake news are you buying from, check home depot and be sure to get 19v

A home depot drill will not have the torkue power to operate a winch. They make a 1/2 inch mawallkie drill takes 2 hands and a winch attachment. Set on low that machine will raise a sail or bring on a jib sheet under load. They are advertized in the back of all the sailing magazines.
Its still battery and needs spare batterys and charging. Still much cheeper than electric winches.