Posted by Mike Lucas on May 21, 2001 at 17:27:02:
In Reply to: Sadler 34 Headsails and Furlex posted by Robin Culverhouse on May 12, 2001 at 09:27:18:
In response to query by Robin and also Chris, there are probably only two reasons for difficulty in winching up the headsail, being luff tape not suitable for the Fulex groove (too large), or perhaps that the headfoil itself is dented or damaged in some way, thus reducing the gap. I should first of all check the size of luff tape with the sailmaker, who will soon tell you whether it will suit the standard Furlex headfoil. Also, before getting a new luff tape fitted, check whether the headfoil is damaged.
There is also a possibility that friction is not helping the hoist, because of corrosion and dirt in the luff groove. Answer to this is to go up in the bosun’s chair with one of the silicon sprays and apply a good squirt over the full length of the headfoil. Alternatively, apply the silicon spray to the luff tape itself. One of the best sprays to use is produced by Profurl (available most chandlers). Also check that there is no undue friction in the halyard system itself, either within the top sheave cage, or at the bottom. Also, check whether there is a halyard twist inside the mast.
For cruising purposes, 150% genoa is a rather large sail and when supplying a new no. 1, we generally supply 140% which is easier to handle when tacking. More importantly, you can carry the sail up to higher wind strengths. As Robin suggests, his next purchase will be a no. 3 heavy weather sail and we do supply a number of these with higher clew (better for visibility) and cloth weight 8oz, rather than 6.5oz. I must say it is hardly surprising that when using a 150% elderly no. 1 genoa, that it almost certainly will have a “baggy” shape when you start to roll it up.
Hope this all helps.
Kind regards, Mike