Slight trouble with un-furling

When I un-furl my sail, 3-4 inches of the bottom of the sail is left on my mast. I need to pull this last bit out by hand and then clamp down both the lines. Is this fairly normal for a well used sail, or am I missing something? When looking up the mast, the sail is fully un-furled at the top. I have no problem reefing. This is the third summer sailing my AI and this problem started last summer.

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Fly'n C Lion

I experienced the same un-furling issue with my 08 AI.

What I did was disassemble and reassemble the sail and mast on my lawn.

In my instance the sleeve the mast slips into was slightly twisted on the mast. (No doubt this was the result of many luffings of the sail) I realigned the sail on the mast and tightly secured the small line that is used to apply a “down” force along the sleeve of the mast.
Putting that tension on that small line, after aligning the sleeve to the mast, should work to correct the problem.

This solved the issue for me.

My AI mast, at first, also rotated between the upper and lower parts. I ended up
using 'vinyl tarp tape' to lock the two sections together. Tarp tape is water-proof
and very tough for its thickness. I never again had trouble with the mast. I only put
one wrap spiral on the fitting to assure that the sail sleeve would not rub on the tape.
It has worked great for two seasons. I now have done the same on my TI.

I do the same using duct tape on the 2 half's of the mast, but do remember the top of the mast intentionally rotates so it can still happen. If the sail doesn't completely roll out, nothing wrong with grabbing the bottom of the sail and giving a final tug. Also, a good stiff wind will fix the sail if it's twisted odd.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Its a common thing and is easily fixed as previously stated, when washing down my sail for storage I just give it a quick check/re-align if needed and all is good. No big deal if it needs a tug to get the last bit out

Just a side issue with washing down the sail ELM. There is some debate as to whether or not a sail should be washed down after an outing and that washing down possibly promotes mould growth in the stitching. My sail is now 3 years old, in good nick and has never been washed down. I'm not saying this is right but it may be worth you searching the forum on this topics to make up your own mind.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Once I started using 303, I've stopped washing the sail except just before re-applying another coat of 303.... So far, so good.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Thanks for the tip slaughter, I will have a look. I have concreted a mast socket and reefing attachment in the back lawn so the sail is always dried before storing, most of the time it is washed as well and dried before storing, my sail is in as new condition after nearly 3 years so pretty happy, always open to learn more though.

reconlon, what is 303 apart from an ex military rifle, don't think I want my sail used for target practice seriously, is it a fabric conditioner or waterproofing agent ?

Shoots! ah, but don't!

http://www.303products.com/

Hobie carries their own version called UV Protectant & Restorer 16oz $14.95 #7006

Think of it as sunblock for plastics, etc. Works well on the hull too, but is slippery so I mainly use it on the sail. For most, once a year should do it. For us who sail year round, I'll be doing it 3-4x a year. Slowly washes/wears off. Is clear while on, washes off and goes on milky colored. I just replaced my first sail's clear parts ($100 locally) from UV damage and will try to extend the life of all others. A new sail would have been $410.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I could be a poster child for these guys,...



Trust me, my new $410 sail got a good 303 soaking.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...