Successful Shakedown Cruise

[Geargrip]

Got her into the water for the first time today.  She launched beautifully at the Bowers Harbor ramp and I sailed north to our beach (about 8 miles) in about 3 hours in very light and variable wind.  I only used the motor just to ensure it worked OK.  Set the hook and went into the house for 45 mins or so to get a sandwich.  By the time I sailed back to the harbor the wind had freshened a bit (as it does every afternoon on Grand Traverse Bay) and it took a little less than 2 hours.

The really good news is that the harbor manager informed me of a little anchorage next to the ramp.  So, I walked the anchor out set it (18"of draft is awesome!) and thats where she'll spend the next few nights.  I am going into town, however to get a 2nd anchor just so I can sleep a little better.

I think I like this...A lot.

[Geargrip]

So today the winds are a steady 15-20 with gusts to 30.  I sailed a bit around the harbor using only the jib.  Here's the problem I ran into today and I'm hoping someone can offer some guidance.

The roller furler is very difficult to operate.  I am totaly open to the idea that its operator error, but here's what I was trying:  Head up, when it starts to luff,uncleat the sheets, maintain a littlepressure on them as I haul the furler line.  Pretty simple,or so I thought.

  I was getting maybe 3 turns and it would freeze.  The top was not turning at all.

Any advice?  I'd love to hear how you experienced sailors do it.

[BobK]

Try a little less tension on the jib halyard.  I had this problem before and the tight halyard caused too much resistance or friction.
BobK

[Bob23]

Gear:
   Somewhere on this site a few years ago there was discussion on this very problem. Make sure the top of the furler is not hitting a halyard. I have no problem with my furler (CDI) escept that once in a while the line on the drum gets kinda bunched up. Usually I pull more out and start winding it up again and that solves the problem.
   BTW, what are you sailing? Sounds like a CP16.
Bob23

[bmiller]

What are you sailing and what furler? Halyard wrap is a potential on any furler other than a CDI. Look up at the top and notice if the halyard wraps around the furler when furling the sail. It can be fixed. Do a google search, "halyard wrap", several articles will pop up.

If it is a CDI I have no advice. Many people love their CDI's. My boat came with one but it did not work very well. My wife could not roll up the sail. I replaced it with a Plastimo and now it rolls up smoothly. Not bashing the CDI, just saying.


Oh and by the way, sounds like you had a good trip. Keep it up. Photos let us enjoy your trip even more!

[Geargrip]

Hi all, sorry for not being more specific and tanks for the responses...

Its a CP16cb with a Harkin roller furler.  I don't think halyard twist is a problem because there is no jib halyard!  :-o

I wish there was a job halyard so I could douse it if the furler sticks.  It was pretty nerve wracking coming into the harbor in 20kts downwind without being able to lose the sail.

The jib is sewn to the forestay and the swivel attaches directly to a fitting (don't know the name, not very nautical, I know) up on the mast.  Perhaps the forestay is too tight, especially if I was trying to furl it when heading to weather.  I'm assuming that would tighten the forestay.  Especially with how windy it was yesterday.

I'll try and get some pics before the week is out. 

[bmiller]

What model of harken?

[Salty19]

Keep looking, you'll find the problem.  Could be something as simple as the furler line getting tangled or complex as broken bushings or bearings.
It almost sounds like the top portion is either too long or too snug (or again a bad bushing).
Another thing to look for is the top of sail catching on the hound (which is the metal tang up the mast where the forestay connects).  If it's catching, the furler is too long to positioned too high.

P.S.  You may want to consider sailing on the main alone, not the jib.  Not much control or tacking ability with only the jib flying.   I know it's tempting to use only the jib (and that's fine for testing for furler) but if you MUST tack to avoid something, it may be tougher to do so.

So you have the centerboard!  That's a rare version. Not sure how many where made.   

You'll have to let another 16 sailer take her out sometime to compare it.

Good luck and fair weather,