Beneteau 40 w/ Classic Rig Main Sail

[Jeff Jakus]

We purchased a B40 (2011 Model) with the Classic Rig Main and the sail WILL NOT come down. Has anyone else had a similar problem? We are not sure if the battens are too flimsy, the sail glides are too thick, the mast groove is too small - or what the problem is.

Any thoughts or better yet, anyone that has experienced and fixed the problem?

Thanks in advance....

Jeff

[Pieter Wybro]

Jeff,

Have you checked if you have a jam cleat for the mainsail halyard on your mast...If closed, you can raise the mainsail, but you have to open it to lower the sail.

Pieter Wybro
"Hoapili", B40 Hull 144

[Jeff Jakus]

Thanks Pieter - but - no - there is not a jam cleat issue. The sail does come down, just very agonizing to have to pull each slide down at the mast every time. Pros have been on board and seem to be stymied.

Do you have the Classic Main? We are Hull 189.

[Alan]

Hi Jeff,

Two things;

First, I see you have a new 2011 model. This is a warranty issue and you should be in contact with the dealer and have them come and check out your rig.

Secondly, Bob at Neil Pryde (assuming you have an American model) designed all the sails and has an intimate knowledge of the set-up. Give him a call after you have spoken with your dealer if you need more information. Either way, it's a warranty issue if there are mechanical problems with the set up.

I have seen and experienced minor problems with the furling mast system but this for the most part has to do with the battens and the mast extrusion from US Spars. This has been rectified by making adjustments to the battens and the angle of the boom to the mast.



Alan

[Jeff Jakus]

Thanks Alan. The dealer is working on it - and I will contact Bob for his opinion if the next round of fixes don't work!

[foster]

You can try a silicone spray "Sail Kote" in the mast groove. If it is really stuck there must be a problem with the reel of the halyard at the top of the mast.

A lot of the reels are of poor quality.

Denis

[foster]

Hi everyone,

I agree with Geoff,

Has anyone changed the traditional main to a full batten with cars ? My Elvstroem sails from july 2007 are starting to be hard to flatten over 20 knts of true wind. I have an additional staysail but I am thinking of getting better sails for longer cruises. My idea is to get a full batten Hydranet radial type main with three reef (2 single lines and a third reef with two lines or one line and boom hook). It would also be good to have adjustable backstays.

If someone has the experience of these modifications it would help me making the right choice.

Thank you.

Denis
s/y HIBERNIA

[Jeff Jakus]

We finally did get a resolution to our main going up/down issue. Beneteau added a slide system to our boat from Tides Marine. This included the slide itself that is custom fit to your mast track and inserted with the mast in place. Then batt cars are added to the sail with slides that match the new slide. Once installed (took only a couple of hours) everything worked as promised and it is now close to perfect!! We are very pleased with the final result.

[Jeff Jakus]

Hi Geoff,

If you have not addressed your issue yet, take a look at our solution:

We finally did get a resolution to our main going up/down issue. Beneteau added a slide system to our boat from Tides Marine. This included the slide itself that is custom fit to your mast track and inserted with the mast in place. Then batt cars are added to the sail with slides that match the new slide. Once installed (took only a couple of hours) everything worked as promised and it is now close to perfect!! We are very pleased with the final result.

[Brian Wanamaker]

I had a similar problem but with the jib halyard.  It turned out that the halyard was led up to the sheave but on the aft side it was routed over a piece of the aluminum casting and down the through the mast.  I was a pain to bring the jib down.  Does the sail go up smoothly?

Brian

sv Brianne

[Jeff Jakus]

Hi Brian, ours was not a crossed halyard problem - see below:

We finally did get a resolution to our main going up/down issue. Beneteau added a slide system to our boat from Tides Marine. This included the slide itself that is custom fit to your mast track and inserted with the mast in place. Then batt cars are added to the sail with slides that match the new slide. Once installed (took only a couple of hours) everything worked as promised and it is now close to perfect!! We are very pleased with the final result.