Hood mast furling systems, looking for some information.

[Student_Driver]

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by GILow

If you solve the batten problem, please report back.

I won't miss the roach, the KP44 has a bit too much main already and I'm a pretty laid back cruising sailor, but I am worried about leech flutter. A batten system that stops that problem has a lot of appeal. I have a sewing machine that can do sails and if I can source the battens I'd be happy to experiment.

On my system, the Stoway label is embossed in the goosneck, I'd be interested to.hear.which system you have if you can identify it.

Following:

Regarding the issue, No Battons, we switched to a North 3DI main and jib. There is so much more efficiency with these sails that we don’t miss the lost roach.

We have a 1984 Camper & Nicholson 58 ketch with manual mizzen and electric main. Main Mast is 80 ft. Multiple failures last season. The main swivel, (used to raise the head) has one large ball bearing. The dust cover/shield on top shattered allowing water in. The bearing seals are of course old so water corroded the bearing. This increased the friction until it was seized. Possibly related, the epicyclic reducer in the drive failed. I found many broken pins and rollers inside as well as poor alignment of the manual over ride bevel gears, more bad bearings. I sent the entire lower drive assembly to Jim Fox in Maine. indalo.jim@gmail.com He is a rebuilder with access to some part stocks and apparently operates at a machine shop. He claims he can fix it. Since new Hood or other manufacturers is not an option compatible with the mast, repair is the best way forward.

I found an exact replacement for the swivel bearing at Motion Industry for a whopping $123.00. Replacement of the cap was quoted by Jim Fox at $325.00. Crazy money compared to the bearing.

The motor has four pie shaped brushes that run on the end of the commutator. Brushes were OK so clean up was all that was done. I made new insulators for the leads passing through the end cap.

Motor and reducer were originally sourced in India. All now obsolete but brushes might be bought or even made by a motor rebuilder. Pins and rollers are available through Fox. Reducer internal bearings are common and can be found.

[Tsuru]

We too have a Hood Stoway manual furling mast. At least for me, I'd go electric if I could find the parts. We also have a North 3DI main with short vertical battens and are pleased with its performance. No leech flutter, reasonable shape, and we move along just fine.
Some, very limited parts are available for the mast, but as stated by others the manual furlers are pretty simple.
I know it's considered heresy by some but if we were going to purchase a new boat it would have a furling mast.

[dmahowald]

Originally Posted by Morgan Sailor

I have a pdf file for the Hood stowaway in Mast furling. It covers both the electric and manual versions. Unfortunately it's too large to post. If you're interested, pm me with your email and I'll send it to you.

Hi! I have an 86 Hood inmast furler as well for the main and mizzen. It would be great to have the PDF of the electronic's since mine is running rough right now and would love to get it serviced. My name is Dan and my e-mail is 'dmahowald@gmail.com'.

Thank yoU!

[Madehn]

If possible could you send me the pdf also please. I too have one of these units in my gulfstar. mdehn66@gmail.com. Many many thanks.

[Nicholson58]

At this age, same as ours, motor brushes and possibly gear box. Hood Stoway electric, main mast

We had ours totally rebuilt by Indalo in Maine. The epicyclic reducer was a wreck and the motor need replacing. Many seals and bearings gone.

There is no aftermarket replacement that fits the Hood mast so go big or be prepared to replace the mast.

[edwmama]

Originally Posted by Madehn

i believe i have the same type of unit you are talking about on my gulfstar. Yes it has an electric motor in the mast that rolls the sail in. It also has a place to reel it in manually using a winch handle with a type of toggle to switch between the two modes. BE CAREFUL activating the motor while in the manual mode will instantly destroy the gearing in the mechanism. i may have some more info down at the boat PM me with an email address if you need me to find and copy it for you- the instructions are only about two pages long and i can scan send them to you. it covers the furling both manually and electrically as well as how to lock and switch the system. i would post it to the thread but am not good with CF attachments etc. If you decide you need them i would be grateful if you would post them once i send them to you.

Hello

I have
Had this Cal cruising 46 bill lapworth designed boat for 17 years

The Hood inmast atoaway fuller has worked
Flawlessly. Yesterday a fluid leaked out of it
And I an internet research all said seals last for
4 years. Mine has lasted 19 years: 17 for me and 2 for previous owner

Now I need to have the seal redone and perhaps rebuilt. No here in in Los Angeles areas seem to
Be familiar with this system
They’re are extremely durable and strong

Can anyone suggest wehere I can buy the seal?

Edwin

[Fuss]

Strange that it lasted 17 years, normally in the sun only 4.
Here is some old contacts that might help…
Hood Stoway furling system:
Eric Pearson 001 401 423 1568 USA

gooseneck seals – MFC 707 10x3 TC 1375 200 0,313

This gooseneck seal can be replaced from the outside if you are careful. So no dismantling required.

[edwmama]

Hello

I ve had this cal cruising 46 for 17 years and the previous owner had the

Hood stowaway in mast furling service two years before he sold it

Total 19 years of trouble free use of in mast furling

Until yesterday the seal finally deteriorated and leaked fluid

But the motor still runs fine

Now looking for manuals or service centers in California

[edwmama]

Thank you
I will try to reach out to those info

Edwin
S/V. Lahlia
Marina del Rey California

[edwmama]

Any info where the goosenek seal ca be purchased?

Edwin

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by edwmama

Any info where the goosenek seal ca be purchased?

Edwin

See my post #21. They are the only rebuilder/supper of parts I could find.

[edwmama]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

At this age, same as ours, motor brushes and possibly gear box. Hood Stoway electric, main mast

We had ours totally rebuilt by Indalo in Maine. The epicyclic reducer was a wreck and the motor need replacing. Many seals and bearings gone.

There is no aftermarket replacement that fits the Hood mast so go big or be prepared to replace the mast.

Hello Nicholson 58 Roxy

So is it really true that the stowaway system can be removed without taking down the mast?

I’ve been able to make contact with Jim Fox who has taken over from Eric Pearson to continue the Hood legacy. He said to remove it
( with the help of his chosen person) and ship it to him to Maine

Can you please email me the manual -2 page- your referring to
Edwmama@yahoo.com

Much appreciated

Edwin

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by edwmama

Hello Nicholson 58 Roxy

So is it really true that the stowaway system can be removed without taking down the mast?

I’ve been able to make contact with Jim Fox who has taken over from Eric Pearson to continue the Hood legacy. He said to remove it
( with the help of his chosen person) and ship it to him to Maine

Can you please email me the manual -2 page- your referring to
Edwmama@yahoo.com

Much appreciated

Edwin

See posts 11 & 12. The manual isn’t a lot of help.

Yes - it’s removable. Take the sail down. Remove the boom. Remove the screws securing the Hood casting to the mast. Take apart the connection of the foil to the drive. Use a halyard to lift it into the wide slot. Hopefully the original installer left sufficient wire to lift the assembly. Wires are attached to the motor. Tie the wires with a small rope, DONT LOOSE THEM!

The screws were very hard to break loose. (7 per side) Use PB Blaster overnight. I used a hand impact screwdriver and hand sledgehammer. Most screws were a wreck so I replaced with hex socket drive equivalents. Retap the holes and use LokTite when you reinstall.

My previous posts show a lot of additional photos.

[edwmama]

Thank you so much for that and the wonderful pictures

This is a bigger production than I had expected……taking down the main sail and the boom

It seems my in mast furling is slightly different design

It may be an older version since it was first installed new in august 1984

But I’m sure the principles are still the same

Much obliged and appreciate all your help

I will keep you posted on my super slow progress

Thanks again

Edwin