Harken cruising furler

[Docfranco]

Hi I have a harken cruising furler and the top swivel is stuck as in not easily moving up or down on the foil. It spins freely. I began to change the headsail and it lowered with some resistance down to about 8’ from the deck and I had to really work with a boat hook to get it down to fully remove sail.
I tried using a silicone based lube and made no difference.
Any ideas ?? Tia

[Rucksta]

Run the swivel up and down without the sail.
If it binds , releases and binds again look for
damage to the foil esp. at the section joins.

If the forestay is slack the screws fret in the holes
causing a minor misalignment between sections.
Also look for dimples and flaring at the joins.

If it binds all the way down its possible the internal
plastic (nylon?) sleeve has expanded due to time and
exposure to hydro carbons used to lubricate the track.

If it goes up and down easily without the sail then the likely culprit is damage or wear on the bolt rope.

[Docfranco]

The joints make no difference it must be the internal surface that it slides in… what should I be lubing it with?

[Orion Jim]

Have you tried contacting Harken? They are very helpful with technical support and the manuals are available to download.

[Rucksta]

Originally Posted by Docfranco

The joints make no difference it must be the internal surface that it slides in… what should I be lubing it with?

McLube Sailcote

[barnakiel]

The internal sleeve (if there is one) should NOT be lubed.


It should be washed with water and soap from time to time.


Most lubricants contain chemistry that will speed up deterioration of the plastic sleeve.


On plastic to metal interfaces repeat repeat LUBES are not standard use. Mind the plastic part is there exactly for this reason - to provide slick - on its own.


As said - contact Harken, ask. They used to provide outstanding user support when I needed them.


Some aluminum foil manufacturers (e.g. Selden) recommend(-ed) giving some silicon wipe to a foil - once it has been very well washed down with water and soap and dried. Not sure they still do. I noted riveted areas corrode faster when any silicon wipe is given to them. sailor beware.



barnakiel

[Docfranco]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

Have you tried contacting Harken? They are very helpful with technical support and the manuals are available to download.

Harken suggested a new swivel at 300.
I’m wanting to know why my current one is not working. ….

[Docfranco]

Originally Posted by Rucksta

McLube Sailcote

Tried sailcote…no difference

[Rucksta]

Originally Posted by Docfranco

Tried sailcote…no difference

The sleeve is toast -replace.

[donradcliffe]

Someone seems to have cut a large DIY hole in the top furler, and it is probably the reason for your problems. Suck it up and replace the lot.