[Rhodes22-list] Need help from CDI furler owners

[Saroj]

I was out in fierce winds recently and my genoa started coming unstitched.  Then the CDI got jammed and in the process of trying to gather up the sail by hand, it ended up tearing.  I had planned to put an extension on the halyard to retrieve it later, but in the process of doing this, I realized that it had not been installed correctly by the boat yard (4 years ago in Waukegan, IL).  As a result I ended up taking the furler can apart to try to figure out how it should be put together.  I also realized that the line itself needed to be replaced.  So I decided to remove everything and set it back up correctly.  The sail is now off and the line too.   I realize that I'll need to take the mast down or get someone to climb back up there to get it over the top.

My problem is that I "inherited" the CDI furler and have no instructions.  I'll try to get them from CDI, but in case I'm unsuccessful, does anyone have instructions for setting up the CDI flexifurler?  I can see a couple of ways to get the line all the way down the slot into the can, but not sure of the correct way and see too many possibilities for getting it jammed up.  I also have to replace the furling line too as it broke while I was trying to get the sail furled.  The new line is slightly larger than the previous one possibly just due to it being new.  I'll have to decide whether or not to remove the core for the part that goes in the can.  I'd prefer to not do that so I'd like to know what size line you have as well.

All the above was happening in 20 - 25 knot winds as we were headed straight for a military dock with large ships tied up and a barge coming fast at us down the York river.  We were under power by this time, but there was a novice at the helm as I was on the foredeck trying to control the sail.  At one point I decided I would be safer lying down on my back and my poor first mate looked up to see me "gone".  Luckily he didn't have a heart attack right on the spot!  I discovered I could turn the can by hand and then got the sail furled up quickly.  What an experience!!  The barge passed behind us with 50 yards to spare and we were able to turn away from Cheatham Annex -- Navy supply depot -- and into Queen's Creek to get to the marina 1/4 mile up the creek.

Thanks,
Saroj