How to lubricate a genoa furler on a boat?
The genoa furler makes it possible to reduce the surface area of a sail, either to adapt it to the force of the wind, or to furl it completely in order to store it. However, even if it is generally well protected, this piece of fittings is not immune to bad weather and corrosion. This is why it is essential to lubricate a genoa furler frequently and maintain it in order to limit the risk of seizing and breakage.
Contents of the page
What material to lubricate a genoa furler?
To lubricate the genoa furler of your sailboat or your boat, you will have to disassemble several parts. To do this, you will need several tools namely:
- 1 small screwdriver;
- 1 Phillips screwdriver;
- 1 pair of long pliers ;
- 1 hammer;
- 1 6 to 8 mm needle ;
- 1 rivet pliers and sealant if necessary to reassemble the mechanism
- a set of Allen keys ;
- full marine grease
- du lubricant .
- of protective gloves
- du degreasing liquid to clean the rooms
How to lubricate a genoa furler?
A genoa furler must be periodically lubricated. In addition, all bearings and mechanisms must be greased.
Periodic maintenance of the sail furler
The head swivel hasa hole marked "fat". It is through the latter that you must introduce lubricant into the bearing.
The halyard swivel is released by introducing lubricant directly into the holes drilled in it. Think to turn the swivel during lubrication so that the product is distributed harmoniously.
The sail furler mechanism should also be lubricated. To do this, first remove the upper plastic cap and then the rubber protection. Then grease the upper bearing.
Also remove the lower plastic plug which is located at the level of the “line tender”. Lubricate the angle transmission as well as the winding mechanism.
After a few years of use, it is recommended to do a complete overhaul furling genoa. As part of this overhaul, all parts such as the head swivel, halyard and furling mechanism must be dismantled. This operation will allow you to know whether to change the mechanism, or if a de-seizing will suffice.
Complete maintenance of the sail furler
Using the cruciform screwdriver, remove the screws from the halyard swivel and those of the stainless steel ring. Unlock the part by turning it 90 ° to remove it. Then separate the upper bearing from the lower bearing.
Separately clean the bearings and their cages in a bath of degreasing liquid before putting them together. Place a film of grease or lubricant in the cages to prevent the screws from falling off during reassembly.
Release the vertical pinion pinion before removing the vertical pinion. Clear the tube while avoiding dropping the cages and ball bearings. Repeat the same operation with the horizontal axis pinion.
After unscrewing the "line tender" before detaching the winch in order to remove the parts it was hiding. Also remove the circlip from the shaft. Then clean the pinions, bearings and ball bearings in the same degreasing bath.
Put all the spare parts back in place, making sure to reassemble them in the reverse order of disassembly. Grease the "line tender" before putting it back in place. Also lubricate the cages to avoid losing the balls as you reassemble the parts. Also remember to lubricate the teeth of the idler gears.
Our advice, pitfalls to avoid and recommended maintenance cycle
Genoa furlers are generally designed to be easily disassembled. However, the head and halyard swivels as well as the winding mechanism contain ball bearings which you must absolutely avoid losing during disassembly.
Also, when disassembling the parts, remember to lay them on a flat surface and in order. This will help you during reassembly.
Maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of your period swimwear is essential. Whether you choose to lubricate a genoa furler at least once a year whether it is a Harken reel, Profurl, Furlex, Facnor or Plastimo. This is the best way toprevent the mechanism from seizing. However, it is also recommended to flush the system often with plenty of water, especially before winter when folding the sail.
Before replacing the genoa, we recommend that you clean the dust accumulated on the groove of the section with a jet of water. You can also put a little marine grease on the luff of the sail.
Remember that a general overhaul of the sail furler is not necessary before several years of use. However, it will be necessary to remember to perform such an overhaul at the first sign of seizure or locking mechanism.
