How to Install a Jib Roller

Sailboat masts are supported mainly by shrouds, the metal wires extending from the upper portion of the mast down to mounting points on the deck. Horizontal spars mounted on the mast, called spreaders, deflect the span of the shrouds outward to provide more leveraged support against the force of the wind. A large sail such as a jib or genoa may have multiple shrouds and spreaders. When the sail is loaded by the wind, it can chafe against the metal shrouds, eventually damaging the sail. Jib rollers installed just below the spreader tips where the sail rubs against the shroud act as a bearing and prevent damage. Jib rollers are six-piece components consisting of two inserts, two hub halves and two roller halves. They are installed with the shroud in place.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the jib roller inserts appropriate to the diameter of the shroud.

    • 2

      Install each half on an insert into a hub half.

    • 3

      Fit the two hub halves together around the shroud. Make sure the two larger screw holes on the end of one hub half align with the corresponding two smaller screw holes on the other half of the hub.

    • 4

      Wrap a length of masking tape around the hub to temporarily hold the hub and insert assembly together on the shroud.

    • 5

      Install the supplied screws into the holes in the hub. Tighten but leave it loose enough that the hub will still slide on the shroud. Strip off the masking tape.

    • 6

      Fit the two roller halves around the hub. Insert and tighten the two roller mounting screws securely.

    • 7

      Slide the roller assembly up the shroud to the desired position, usually just below the tip of the spreader. When the roller assembly is properly placed on the shroud, finish tightening the hub screws to securely clamp the roller to the shroud.