350 - Furling drum occasionally tight

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Furling drum occasionally tight - Facnor 165

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 350
Forum Description: 350 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14272
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:51
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Topic: Furling drum occasionally tight - Facnor 165

Posted By: Mark Pullen
Subject: Furling drum occasionally tight - Facnor 165
Date Posted: 30 September 2023 at 10:14

Hi, I've a factory fitted Facnor 165 on my 350. Occasionally it becomes extremely difficult to turn the drum - furling or unfurling the sail. So far, a generous amount of fresh water sprayed into the mechanism, followed by some silicon grease spray seems to resolve the problem.

However, is there anything else going on other than salt and dust blocking the mechanism? Is it time to replace the drum/torque tube or the whole unit. And if so, is this a good time to replace the forestay?

Many thanks, Mark

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Mark

Replies:

Posted By: Ratbasher
Date Posted: 30 September 2023 at 13:30

Have you tried varying the tension in the halyard and sheet? That alone might make a difference as might letting off the backstay if you'd tightened that up too. The sail might also have stretched if you seriously tensioned the halyard in strong winds and then didn't slacken it afterwards; its easy to forget.

Check if its the lower mechanism or upper swivel that's not turning properly as you might get away with replacing just one of them if budgets are tight. Much better to replace the system as a whole though which may, depending on which brand you select, require replacement of the forestay also. However, if you've been having to really heave on the furling line you'll need to very carefully check the forestay at the ends for signs of damage. Of course, furling lines should never be winched unless as a very last resort.

Normally a good rinse in fresh (and some say hot) water will clear out any salt crystals; I certainly wouldn't want to put any form of grease on my unit. If that isn't working then the chances are that the bearings are stuffed and you'll need a new one. Replacement can be done with the mast up but if your standing rigging is over 10 years old you might care to consider whether its better to get the whole thing done at the same time as this should reduce overall rigger's costs. Good luck!

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H400 (2008) 'Wight Leopard' Gosport, UK

Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 30 September 2023 at 16:24

Many thanks. The upper swivel is fine. I think it's salt getting between the drum and the tube. On the Facnor I don't think there are bearings. Maybe over the years the surfaces have been roughened by use and wear. 100% agree on not using the winch. Will need to take a good look at it overall, and decide if replacing these parts or the whole thing. Then, as you say, likely it will be worth replacing the forestay, and then possibly the rest of the rig.

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Mark

Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 09 November 2024 at 12:32

In conclusion to this post. I contacted Facnor, who confirmed the drum/nose assembly is non-serviceable. So, reluctantly I purchased a new drum/nose from the local supplier in Greece and the local marina team installed it. I've had a trouble free summer, with 100% confidence in the headsail furler. However, I did bring the old drum back to the UK to try to understand what failed and any lessons.

The main maintenance lesson is to rinse the drum regularly with fresh water to keep the rubber seal at the top of the drum free of salt and debris. Also, nothing should be able to get into the bearings within the drum. As pointed out by Facnor, it's non-serviceable, so there is no need to add oils, etc...

Taking the unit apart turned out to be way more difficult that expected. Simply removing the bottom bracket/cylinder from the bottom of the nose required a large amount of force, having drilled out the screws attaching it. I conclude that this was attached with a combination of heat and the screws. Despite best efforts, it's proved impossible to remove the drum from the nose. However, it is apparent that there is an accumulation of salt and debris in the grease that has come out of the bearings. I've tried to push the bearings off the nose with a rig that included using a carjack to apply sufficient force. It's moving but not coming off. Again, the bearings seem to have been fitted hot and with force.

So, it's proved difficult to pull it apart. I'd hope to rebuild it, replacing the bearings. Maybe to have as a spare, or to sell. I'd be interested if anyone has any advice or has successfully removed the drum from the nose. Thanks.

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Mark

Posted By: Jojo
Date Posted: 10 November 2024 at 13:13

Hi did you se this

It might help

https://www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/Facnor%20repair/Facnor%20180.pdf" rel="nofollow - https://www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/Facnor%20repair/Facnor%20180.pdf

Regards jonas

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3 Cabin, Hanse 342, Deep draft, Tiller version.

Posted By: coriolis2
Date Posted: 10 November 2024 at 16:55

That's great info Jonas!

Mine is still fine but maybe I'll perform preventive Maintenance on the unit.

Thanks, Rob

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"Coriolis" H350 #045 (ex Waarschip 570 #? 1987/1992, ex Waarschip 28LD #7 1994/2007)

Posted By: Oline
Date Posted: 10 November 2024 at 19:52

Wow! That is some great info. Reading up on other posts, the Facnor seems like a lost case. However, the guide you linked to shows that it is actually serviceable.

Posted By: Mark Pullen
Date Posted: 22 November 2024 at 23:27

Interesting and useful article. I couldn't get past the lip seals for some reason and for the reason could not see the circlips. I'll have another look.

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Mark