Greetings...Well, they said it would happen one day, and it did. Full boat of friends on Sunday out on the Bay when I couldn't get the mainsail out from our in mast furling. It's been getting harder over the past few months, and definitely more difficult since the mast was restepped in September. Yes, we had a mast step issue last year, some may recall.
Before I ask my questions, I am taking the boat back to Svendsen's in Alameda for bottom paint, new prop install, and to check over the rigging.
So my questions are:
1) Is my boom angle in correct? I've tried playing with the topping lift, but it hasn't changed the results. Or maybe it has, that's why the sail jammed. It appears the sail had a fold in it, which got in the way as the sail was rolling out of the mast.
2) Should I be lubricating the T-track on top of the boom? And if so, with what do I lube it?
3) Talking about lubing, any suggestions on lubing the fairleads on the boat as well?
4) Whatelse do I need to know about issues with in-mast mainsail furlings?
I pay attention to the tension on the main when rolling it back in, but I guess I still got a fold. To fix it, and while back at the dock, I stood on the boom as a friend pulled the sail out. I too pulled on the sail and pushed the fold back into the mast at the same time and it freed it. With the sail completely out, we paid close attention to rolling it back in. All went well, so we went back out for some great sailing...All went well... :)
However, I won't know until I pull the main out again if it will work. So my questions, how do I adjust a boom with a solid vang? And can I lube the T-track on the boom, allowing the things to move easier?
Thanks for your help as always...
Rob Miani
San Francisco Bay
2006 C36 Mk II
S/V Si Caro
Hull #: 2265
Check the mast alignment by sighting up the mast above the boom. It should be straight. If not then you need to re-tension the stays to get the mast in alignment.
Halyard tension is also important. Over-tensioning the halyard can make it hard to unfurl. Try slackening the tension a bit. I usually release all the tension on the halyard once the sail is rolled up. Do not get lazy on the last bit that is rolled up, that can cause a fold in the sail, keep tension on the outhaul all of the time when rolling up the sail.
The boom seems not to affect the in-mast furling unless it is way out of a 90 degree angle to the mast.
I have only ever had one jam in over six years and that was because the person taking in the sail released the tension on the outhaul and I got a fold in the sail. Working the sail with my fingers and pushing it into the track while my wife toggled the outhaul/inhaul managed to free the sail.
Hope this helps
John Meyer
John Meyer
Hilbre
C36 MKll, Hull 2135
Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA
[url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1754[/url]
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
Thanks for link Stu...I went looking around for a discussion before I posted my note, but didn't see it. Good discussion...
Thanks everyone for the suggestions, it's much appreciated. I do know my main halyard is definitely too tight. And I'll try relaxing the main sheet as well. I always apply pressure on the outhaul when retracking the mainsail, so I'll just watch it more closely...
Also, I like the McLube reference. Where can we get some of that stuff? :-)
Happy sailing all...
Rob Miani
San Francisco Bay
2006 C36 Mk II
S/V Si Caro
Hull #: 2265
The symptoms mimic what I had a few years ago, which turned out to be the main-in line having swelled due to salt absorption. As the line coiled around the thread, it rubbed on the case forward of it, creating increased friction. I'd take a close look at that.
SF Bay
1998 C36
Greetings All...I have a report from the fixes you have suggested. Before I start, I truly appreciate everyone's advice. This is why I bought a Catalina, because there are many of them out there, and there are people like you that have experiences you are willing to share. Here's what I've done:
1) I relaxed the main halyard. I opened the clutch while the sail was still in the mast, then closed it, the halyard was very tight. I used the tension set by merely releasing the clutch as a starting point.
2) I used McLube Sailkote spray on the boom T-track, block bearings, main furling bearings, and fairleads. I have not sprayed the lines as they go through the clutches figuring if I make the lines slick they may not work well on the winches.
3) I did a sea-trial...
During the sea-trial, the first time I pulled on the outhaul, the mainsail jammed again, it had a fold in it. Of course, this made the wife very nervous, and just as she was saying, "See, nothing works," I rolled it back in, then rolled it back out and it came out nicely. The more I rolled it out, the easier it became. Figuring the Sailkote was doing its job. The fold may have been created when I rolled it in last time with a very tight main halyard.
The rest of the sea-trial went very well, in fact it was one of the best sails we'd had in quite a while. I positioned the outhaul to give the mainsail a nice bend, then matched its angle with the jib. We were seeing consistent speeds in the high 7s to low 8s on the knot meter in about 18 knots of wind at 40 - 50 degrees off the wind. It was awesome. We wanted to stay out longer, but the wind gods quit right at 5pm, they too must work for CalTrans. So we had to motor in from the Bay Bridge. The mainsail rolled in nicely, as I kept pressure on the outhaul as I cranked on the downhaul. I haven't had a chance to sail it since, but I'm expecting it to work well again.
I spoke with Chris Tibbe at Svendsen's in Alameda about the problems, and he agreed Sailkote is great. He said to use it everywhere, which I need him to be more specific. :)
He also suggested to drench both furling bearings, meaning the jib and mainsail after every sail. He said, the more fresh water the better. He feels salt is a true enemy to furling bearings, so keep them clean. He also gave a big thumbs up for McLube One Drop. All the bearings will love it, and it truly only needs one drop. So I'm on the look out for it.
At the moment, we are on the hard getting two fresh coats of bottom paint and the install of a new Max-Prop. Hoping to have the boat back next week to try it all over again.
So my last question is: How often should I apply Sailkote to the T-track on the boom? The obvious answer is when the outhaul appears to have more resistence. I'll ask Chris as well the next time I see him.
But for now, I believe we have a solution, and a process to live by. Thanks again everyone for your help. And for those just reading, hope this works for you as well...
Rob Miani
San Francisco Bay
2006 C36 Mk II
S/V Si Caro
Hull #: 2265
Rob... I had this exact same issue starting last fall with my main. Without totally repeating myself, check out my posting on Main Sail Furling jam on the tech discussion board as I listed everything I found out.
The problem with me was the outhaul boom car which wore out. I new one solved the problem for a cost of about $90 including shipping from the left coast to NJ.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Thanks Chuck, and others on his post, I read them all. Seems like we're not alone with mainsail jams, however maintenance seems to be the remedy. I sailed our boat this past Saturday and had no problems. I plan on getting a tube of McLube One Drop, even a pro rigger said it was a no brainer...
McLube Sailkote can be used on everything except the ball races for the blocks and fairleads. It's mentioned on the West Marine site that the lube is so slick the ball bearings don't spin when they move through the race, so they tend to flat spot. What's this stuff made out of? :)
I plan on lubing my entire system more regularly. Now all I need to do is bring the boat back to the yard to repitch a brand new Max-Prop the yard under-pitched. What a drag...
Rob Miani
San Francisco Bay
2006 C36 Mk II
S/V Si Caro
Hull #: 2265