Here is a photo of my original and primitive GB furler c1984.
When  I got the boat, the 'fin' was bent pretty badly.  I straightened it
out and used it for the past 7 years.
Must say, it works pretty well.  Once in a while, especially if I'm not
careful in keeping a little tension on the furler line, the line will jump
down below the fin which requires a trip to the bow.
I do plan to switch to a CDI furler and hope to get a 130% jib for those
more robust days, but I think for 99% of the sailing I do with this boat,
the 175 and my continental main sail are all one needs. If the wind is more
than 10 kts, unless  you are going to weather, the jib is all the sail you
need, which makes it easy peasy.
[image: IMG_3313.jpeg]
[image: Screen Shot 2020-10-28 at 5.15.17 PM.png]


IMG_3313.jpeg

Screen Shot 2020-10-28 at 5.15.17 PM.png

On Wed, Oct 28, 2020 at 4:53 PM Joe Dempsey <joedempsey at hughes.net> wrote:

> My search of the Archives did not offer any information regarding
> maintenance
> or servicing of the CDI furling system. The manual "CDI Flexible Furler 2
> Installation/Operating Instructions", offers no troubleshooting details,
> although it provides a system diagram and parts list. I'm sharing what I've
> learned and observed after having fought my genoa furler for since I
> purchased "Respite" in 2017, it finally refused to rotate and furl. It had
> always been difficult to unfurl and furl the genoa, especially the latter.
> I've spent more time on the foredeck than in the cockpit trying to furl the
> jib!
>
> We pulled the pin on the chain plate (this is easily done on the Rhodes by
> releasing the back stays allowing enough slack in the forestay, although
> more clearance beneath the furling drum would be nice!) and opened up the
> GBI furler. We found that the main bearing had seized within the cup. (See
> photos of Cup). The main bearing is described in the CDI manual as HDPE
> plastic (This is the standard bearing) or Ball Bearing, torian (?) balls.
> That rotate within the Stainless Steel Cup. I was unsure which one I had
> until I got the bearing home and was able to open it up and separate the
> bearing from the cup. It turns out I have the ball bearings. My R-22
> "Respite" is a 1989 that was re-cycled by GBI in 2005. I'm pretty certain
> that the furler was installed at that time because the manual is dated
> 2004.
> Looking at the bearing, it is clear that no maintenance "cleaning" was ever
> performed. (See photos of bearing) The manual recommends occasional rinsing
> with fresh water. Opening the bearing is suggested only if the bearing is
> hard to turn. In my case it wouldn't turn at all. Also I found that the
> hole
> in the top of the cup that the turnbuckle rides through had worn so that it
> was no longer centered. (You can see this in one of the photos.) The bottom
> view of the bearing shows the center hole and the two screw holes that
> secure the Anti-rotation strap (or bale) to the bearing to the drum
> Stainless Cup.  There is also a Thrust Washer that the fits between the
> Main
> Bearing and the Furling Drum. I contacted CDI (they are now located in
> Winnepeg, Manitoba, contact info below) I spoke with Joel Grouette who was
> most helpful. Initially I had ordered the Stainless Cup that covers the
> furling drum because it was bent, thinking that was the cause, but once we
> had the bearing out we found that we also need a new bearing, which I also
> ordered from CDI. Once I have furler operating again, I will file an
> update.
>
> If you are having difficulty with your furling system, inspect and clean
> your main bearing. Although it can be done with the mast up, it would be
> easier with the mast down.
>
> I hope this information and my subsequent follow up will provide owners
> with
> information that will enable them to enjoy their Rhodes 22.
>
> Contact Information for CDI:
>
> Cruising Design International
> 1036 Waverley St. Winnipeg MB
> 844-379-2407  |   www.sailcdi.com
> <
> http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t752/Main_Bearing_Stainless_Cup_Top_View.jpg>
>
> <http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t752/Main_Bearing_Bottom.jpg>
>
> <
> http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t752/Main_Bearing_Side_View.jpg>
>
> <
> http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t752/Main_Bearing_Cup_w-Ball_Bearings.jpg>
>
> <
> http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t752/Main_Bearing_Removed_from_Cup.jpg>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----
> Joe Dempsey
> s/v Respite
> Rhodes 22 1989/2005
> Deltaville,VA
> --
> Sent from: http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/
>


-- 


*Ric Stott, AIA, LEED AP*

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