Mainsail in-mast furling problem

[clayton curtis]

Got a brand new Bene 40 this summer with the standard in mast furling mainsail. After our first extended trip, we have 2 places where the sail cloth is worn thru and one 2 inch tear both at the foot of the sail at our reef points in the vertical direction. The tear happened after one of the worn areas final tore during a long tack and 30+knot winds. Upon close inspection, it appears that the wear, which happened very quickly in just a few weeks, is due to the sail rubbing on the edge of the slot in the mast where the sail enters/exits. The aluminum opening is not at all smooth and is uneven like it was poorly machined. Its not sharp enough that it would cut you if you run your finger along it, but it is not rounded.

Anybody out there that has an in-mast furling system, do you have a white plastic glide that snaps into the slot like lips around a mouth to protect the sail? I saw a B46 (see image below) and a B43 recently that HAD the plastic protective glide and another B40 that did not have it. Go figure!? All were US SPAR masts and on mine you can see the channel where the plastic glide would snap into slot. I can't tell if this part was an omission in the commissioning or if it is just a bad design. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike Brown]

We have a 43 and there's a plastic guard over the edges on both sides of the opening. We definately have not had any issues with sail chafe. Have you spoken to your dealer about it?

[clayton curtis]

Thanks Mike. Yeah, they are in the process of seeing what they can do (they are talking with Neil Pryde and SPAR - credit assignment problem?), but in the meantime I'm trying to see if this is normal or not given that there is another B40 in my marina without the guard.

[Mike Brown]

It's possible that there was a series of mast where they failed to install the guard. Things like that happen and nobody takes notice until someone like yourself has an issue. I would think they'll take care of you. Good luck.

[StephenMichael]

I have 2009 B40, took possession new in May 2009. Have in Mast furling and there is no plastic guard on slot. I am curious as to whether you were provided solution by Beneteau or US Spar.

[Alain Brauckmann]

We have the furling system to bu no rotecters. Anyway, the mast is on of the pnly things we have no problems with ...

[clayton curtis]

Yeah, we were able to get it added. I don't know who paid for it, or who took responsibility, but it got done.

/cc

[clayton curtis]

we got the protector added and it works great. despite some claims, the sail goes in and out well without any problems. plus, we've had zero chaffing and we've been on the boat sailing since November.