How to Troubleshoot a Harken Furler

Headsail roller furling systems began showing up on sailboats decades ago, and most cruising sailboats manufactured today include the system. The basic concept involves unfurling a sail with a jib line from the cockpit using drums and spools. When the sail will not come out, or won't furl back around into the Harken (a manufacturer of sailboat hardware) system, troubleshooting is necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap and fresh water
  • Jib furling line
  • Sheets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stop the sailboat. If the headsail jib jams while cruising or racing, drop other sails and anchor, or start the engine and head for the dock to troubleshoot. If none of these options are viable, slow the boat as much as possible before looking for the cause.

    • 2

      Trace the furling line. This line runs from the cockpit along the deck to the headsail. It can become tangled in other lines and rigging, caught on a port or hatch or on something secured to the deck. Carefully trace the line from the cockpit to the headsail and clear it from whatever is preventing the line from running free.

    • 3

      Check the cam cleat. This small piece of hardware has two spring-loaded cams containing teeth that come together to hold a line in place. When unfurling the headsail, the cam cleat should be open. If it is closed, it will prevent the furling line from running free.

    • 4

      Check the drum. If the furling line is twisted or stuck on the drum at the base of the sail, slowly try to pull it out manually from the drum. This requires balancing on the bow of the boat, so if underway, tie off to a lifeline to prevent being pitched overboard. If the line comes out, have someone in the cockpit try to furl the sail in or out to take up the slack caused when freeing the line.

    • 5

      Test the drum to see whether it rotates easily. Manually try to turn the drum, but if it will not turn or makes a grinding noise, stop what you are doing, as you will need to have it serviced. The bearings may need to be lubricated or replaced, so if you continue to try to force it to turn you may break it, requiring a costly replacement of the entire system. You could also damage the headstay, a piece of standing rigging running from the mast to the bow.

    • 6

      Clean the assembly with soap and rinse with fresh water. Salt and other grime adhere to the parts and can clog the system, making it hard to furl or unfurl the sail.

    • 7

      Check the halyard line. This halyard, a line used for raising or lowering the headsail, can become wrapped around the top of the furler when the sail is taken in and out. If this is occurring, have a rigger add a wire to the top of the sail to prevent it from becoming tangled with the halyard and the head swivel (the part of the furler at the top of the system that turns during the furling and unfurling operation).