Hello all-I'm a long-time member that rarely pipes into the conversation. Though I need to call out to you guys as I'm embarking on a DIY rigging project and I'm short on knowledge. On some subjects, googling doesn't cut it.

I'd appreciate if any Seabreazers in-the-know could pipe in and offer general advice on the subject. Plus, also enlighten me on some specific topics, such as:
* whether to go all swageless all round, or get a rigger to fit the terminals for the top of the mast.?
* the best place to source wire rope and fittings?
* and has anyone taken down a pro-furler mast up? A few online commenters have said that you can take it apart section-by-section on a slack forestay. Not sure if that's a promising plan or crazy.

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

Check with your insurer first!

"and has anyone taken down a pro-furler mast up?"

I think you could in theory take it section by section, but how likely is it that you could unscrew the screws into the joining bits? Very likely seized. You could try loosening a couple of screws on the lower sections and see if they will come undone.

I'd be interested if there is a jetty or dock around Sydney where you could lower the furler without dismantling, having someone walk the lower end while it is dropped.

I put my Profurl together with the mast out. Not so much tricky but attention to detail is needed and it's time consuming. The sections can bolt to a sleeve, so only undo one side at each join or you might lose the sleeve. We used Loktite Blue on every single Torx screw and there is a lot of sections, sleeves and screws. Insulating screw coating or goo. I was thinking at the time I would not want to have to disassemble it.


Disassembly and reassembly would be the sort of job I would hate to do with the mast in. its longer than the mast when disconnected and hanging, so you need to support it properly so you don't bend it.
I'd drop the mast out. Would be a mongrel of a thing with it in.
Typical profurler schematic below. More complex than it looks.
Cheers!
SB

Depending upon your size of boat, I needed an extra body just for the furler when we put the mast in. Supported during the crane lift, as the crane moved into position and actually putting the mast in. Not arduous but another one of those things you tend to miss on the task list.
A couple of pics after assembly and doing the lift to understand the length issue. If you're anal its worth a bit of wrap on all the bits so you don't bang up the furler and the mast too much. You have to go up the mast for a final check after doing anything rigging related , so remove all the bubble wrap then.

I used Sydneylifting equipment . I took off a pair of rigging at a time , supported the mast with ropes , and got them made up, then refitted. For the forestay with furler I disconnected the top and bottom , lowering to the dock via a halyard. A bit more tricky putting it back . I used two ropes in place of every wire to be sure while the rigging was being made. My rigg is not insured so not worried about that side of it , the rest of the boat is

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oldboyracer said..
I used Sydneylifting equipment . I took off a pair of rigging at a time , supported the mast with ropes , and got them made up, then refitted. For the forestay with furler I disconnected the top and bottom , lowering to the dock via a halyard. A bit more tricky putting it back . I used two ropes in place of every wire to be sure while the rigging was being made. My rigg is not insured so not worried about that side of it , the rest of the boat is

And a fine looking rig it is too.

Thanks Shaggy Baxter, Oldboyracer, John24 and Lydia for the detailed responses.


Re furlex -- Great advice Shaggy, and thanks for uploading the images. I've watched the Furlex installation video a million times, but its handy to get first hand details.

Re Sydneylifting -- Thanks Oldboyracer for the suggestion (and other advice). I'll hit them up next week.


I'm back in Sydney and on the boat early November (live outta town). I'll probably call out then when I'm grappling with the project on the water. I'm also gonna check in with some riggers.


Thanks all

I had no problem with dropping the furler whole with the mast up. Just used the kite halyard and pulled hard on the bottom walking forward as the halyard was dropped. 38ft cat. Needed to be on a dock to walk the furler base away and then drop onto the dock.

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UncleBob said..

oldboyracer said..
I used Sydneylifting equipment . I took off a pair of rigging at a time , supported the mast with ropes , and got them made up, then refitted. For the forestay with furler I disconnected the top and bottom , lowering to the dock via a halyard. A bit more tricky putting it back . I used two ropes in place of every wire to be sure while the rigging was being made. My rigg is not insured so not worried about that side of it , the rest of the boat is

And a fine looking rig it is too.

January for sure ??