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Measuring for new forestay for furler

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/23/2011 : 05:40:07

Will be changing to a Harken furler this spring. With the current furler the PO added a shackle or two on the backstay (which means the mast may be leaning forward a bit) and I had to add a 2" D-shackle on the forestay for it to reach the stem head.

Harken says dimensions supplied from Catalina are often wrong. I suppose if I order a new backstay - that would serve as a good baseline. But if the length of the current forestay is incorrect, Catalina supplies wrong numbers, and I am are installing a new furler, how do I determine the correct length for a new forestay?

I also suppose if the height of the current furling drum unit is different than the Harken, the length of the current forestay is irrelevant.

Hmmmm

Edited by - OJ on 02/23/2011 05:42:26

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2011 : 08:27:10

OJ,

If not there are a number of sources available to find and verify, the length of the forestay: our archives, CD, Catalina Yachts, etc.
According to my owners manual the standard rig forestay is 29'10" long, and the tall rig is 31'10".

Who are you buying your furler from. Does the new furler luff extrusion assemble over the forstay? If so, when I purchased mine from a north sails dealer several years ago, they had me send my forstay to them so they could measure and correctly cut the luff extrusion. Buy a new forstay from CD, since it seems you need a new forstay anyway -current one is too short? Send it to your furler dealer, and have them cut and assemble the rig.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2011 : 10:08:29

I would replace the backstay and think about having the furler provider also provide the forestay if they have a rigging service. That way, if it doesn't fit, you might have easier recourse for adjustment. If you live in an area with lofts and riggers, you might see what a local rigger would charge to fit and install the system. A local rigger makes my replacement keel cables for 2/3 of the CD price with no shipping.

edit: I can measure mine when I go home next month since I have a Harkin- I don't have a 50' tape with me. It would be difficult to get a precise measure, but I can see if it is fairly close to spec.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 02/23/2011 10:13:46

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2011 : 13:09:06

When measuring for a new forestay for the furler, take into account if you need to have a higher drum location (via adding a toggle) to accomodate for anchor rollers, pulpit, etc. Another thing to keep in mind when raising the drum is that the fit of off-the-shelf furling sails may be affected. Something I didn't consider when ordering my off-the-shelf genoa last year.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2011 : 19:38:16

Wow, what perect timing! I was about to post the same question. I bought a Harkin Mark IV furler last fall and want to start getting ready to install.

I was afraid I might have to drop the mast to measure the current forestay to see how much it needs to be shortened. If you don't mind could you please post here what number you come up with?

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2011 : 10:52:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 Wow, what perect timing! I was about to post the same question. I bought a Harkin Mark IV furler last fall and want to start getting ready to install.

I was afraid I might have to drop the mast to measure the current forestay to see how much it needs to be shortened. If you don't mind could you please post here what number you come up with?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Gary, I'd be happy to share what ever info I discover. My numbers might differ from your needs though as I have a tall rig and the furler is a Harken Mark I.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 02/24/2011 : 20:00:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 Wow, what perect timing! I was about to post the same question. I bought a Harkin Mark IV furler last fall and want to start getting ready to install.

I was afraid I might have to drop the mast to measure the current forestay to see how much it needs to be shortened. If you don't mind could you please post here what number you come up with?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Gary, I'd be happy to share what ever info I discover. My numbers might differ from your needs though as I have a tall rig and the furler is a Harken Mark I.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yeah, that could be a problem!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.