FYI,
I have experienced 2 Tandem Islands with this issue. The glue holding the furling drum to the mast has failed, and the furling drum slips on the mast. This makes furling and unfurling the sail difficult. The downhaul is the only thing that prevents the furler from just spinning around on the mast, so the sail wrinkles up a bit as you try to furl it.
Secondarily, one of the TIs has developed a crack in the bottom of the hull at the mast base. My suspicion is that this has been caused by the failed furler drum.
The furler drum transmits the downward vertical force of the mast through the welded crossbar assembly to the hull. When the drum is not securely attached, the load is then transmitted directly through the mast base into the bottom of the hull as somewhat of a point load. The V-brace can help distribute that load, but I am doubtful it is working as intended.
Anyway, be sure to check your furler drums on 2022 and newer boats. I have had 3 of these boats and 2 have failed. Hobie recommended gluing it back together with West Systems G/flex epoxy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H8J4MCJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_titleThey also warrantied the cracked hull for me in this case. The same boat had a cracked seam on one of the AMAS that took on water. It was warrantied as well. Three warranty claims on one boat is not good for business. (Actually 2 claims and one glue recommendation)
I'm thankful Hobie is standing behind their products in these cases, but I have to say I'm disappointed that I have seen more manufacturing issues in the past several years.
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