Zero to Full in No Time At All!

[capngeo]

Yesterday, we were sailing ahead of a thunderstorm, taking advantage of the extra wind. The headsail (150% Genoa) was reefed on the roller, main was out full, but was not tight to the wind. One gust about 35kt, caused the roller to slip and the Genny came out full... HOLY CRAP!

I had this happen once before when the continuous roller line parted (it was old).... this line was new and the reduced volume end-to-end remained intact; the line just lost its grip on the drum (Hood roller). The line was properly cleated, etc. Any ideas why this happened?

[zeehag]

nothing like a lil excitement to keep the blood flowing.......
was the furler line secured to something?/ if not, it will unroll.....

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by capngeo

.......... this line was new and the reduced volume end-to-end remained intact; the line just lost its grip on the drum .........

I'm not able to construct an image of what occured between the line and the drum. Is the bitter end of the furling line not fixed to a point on the drum? Did this end break free or is your furling line a continuous loop? 'must have been exciting. How did you settle things down?

[zeehag]

spozed to be a knot or something to affix the furler line to the drum.....

[DeepFrz]

I don't know the answer to your questions, just some questions you might want to ask yourself.

Are you sure the continuous line is the correct size and type of line specified by the mfg.? Perhaps the teeth(?) in the drum are worn beyond spec.?

[Unicorn Dreams]

How was the ride?

Sounds like a pucker factor of at least an 8 of 10...

I would unspool the drum and see if the line is still secure to the drum like above

[Opie91]

Is it a Hood LD (Linear Drive)?



If it is, I have one of these rollers too and they are know to do this. Unlike a single line furler the head sail can unfurl even if the line is cleated off securely. Make sure you cleat both lines securely, this will reduce the likely hood of this happening again.

Another thing, when the sail is furled I tie it off with a sail tie thru the clew to make sure the sail will not unfurl when it is on the mooring.

I personally do not trust it for reefing. Granted what happened to you does not happen often, but it can. The only thing I use this roller for is to completely let the sail out and furl it completely.

Hood sells a single line conversion drum for this type of roller to address the issue that happened to you. I do not know what the price is, but plan on checking it out.

Here is the link:

Pompanette LLC.

Good luck.

PS I have a pdf copy of the installation/parts manual if you need a copy of it.

[DeepFrz]

I love this remark.

The SL was designed as an upgrade to the LD system, giving the owner reefing capability.

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by Opie91

Is it a Hood LD (Linear Drive)?



If it is, I have one of these rollers too and they are know to do this. Unlike a single line furler the head sail can unfurl even if the line is cleated off securely. Make sure you cleat both lines securely, this will reduce the likely hood of this happening again.

Another thing, when the sail is furled I tie it off with a sail tie thru the clew to make sure the sail will not unfurl when it is on the mooring.

I personally do not trust it for reefing. Granted what happened to you does not happen often, but it can. The only thing I use this roller for is to completely let the sail out and furl it completely.

Hood sells a single line conversion drum for this type of roller to address the issue that happened to you. I do not know what the price is, but plan on checking it out.

Here is the link:

Pompanette LLC.

Good luck.

PS I have a pdf copy of the installation/parts manual if you need a copy of it.

YES! that's the one I have! I'll look at the upgrade... THANKS!

[Hudson Force]

Now I understand the event. It appears the continuous furling line loop is expected to be held in the teethed groove of the drum, but given enough force it can fail. I would suppose that a second wrap around the drum would not allow the freedom of movement in light winds and any stop tied to pinch the line behind the drum would require a trip to the bow and negate the advantage of the system. Is it possible that both leads of the furling line can be pulled tight to prevent the failing event in heavy weather or was that done when you had the 35kt gust?

[capngeo]

Yes, I always cleat both sides... perhaps I didn't PULL tight enough?. Regardless, if I ever feel the need to reef again, I am going forward and shackling the roller to a pad eye on deck.... I fully plan to look at the retrofit.

[osirissail]

Be advised that there are "Roller Furler" systems and "Roller Reefing" systems. They are not the same.
- - From the link in post #7 there is this Hood statement: "LOW COST FURLING FOR NON-REEFING APPLICATIONS:"
- - Trying to use a "roller furler" as a "reefer" can get adventurous and even risk your headstay and mast. Roller Furlers are designed lighter and are for completely rolling up the headsail or having the headsail completely out - not in between.

[Nauticatarcher]

This is the reason we fitted a NZ made ReefRite furler as it has a mechanical locking pawl to prevent this happening