So I'm gathering that now the ratchet no longer has the grip on the serations to properly grip the rope under a high load? The ratchet is probably made out of Aluminium to keep the weight down, unfortunately this also wears pretty fast. If that's the case there's not really a lot you can do unfortunately.

Having had a go of one of these things before though I had problems getting it to grip and it was brand new. I found I had to put on a fair amount of downhaul tension before ratcheting it up so that the ratched had a lot of tension on it and hence gripped the rope better.

I have 3 of these North Ratchet downhauls. They work perfectly for me and I have had them for a few seasons now. I think I had similar problems when I just got mine, then I sorted it. They actually only work with tension, so dont fully let the rope go, just release enough tension to unhook the cord from the other side. Then when you rig again you just pull a little tension on the sail and hook it over the pulley. That way it is pre-tensioned and ready to ratchet. The other thing the North instructions say is only use North rope when replacing. Dunno? Might be special?

Mineral,

Twas me who posted the picture.

I've been using one of these for over a year now, was given an old one originaly by Reg at WSP to have a look at it which had been suffering from similar problems to what you have been experiencing. I fixed that one, used it for a while the bought my own. I've serviced stack of others as well.

Don't panic, all can be made well again, I sussed out a fairly easy servicing method for these which can fix the eventual slippage and on the units whcih are under high load (race sails) the occasional jump of ratchet.

We have also found that the White Marlo rope works best with these, I tried lots of different ropes includng a the OEM Chinook rope (quite disappointed there) and even an climbing cord and non compare to the marlo.

I use mine on up to 9m race sails which need a bucket load of downhaul force. I would recommend if using primarily on race sails the the 2 pully version would be a better option as it will reduce the load on the rope.

Back to the fix, it's only about 5-10 mins, although I think in your case the Marlo rope should(?) do the trick.

Myself, I only keep my old extensions in case of emergency.

These extensions in my books are brilliant (not perfect, yet then again nothing is) easier down haul than doing it manually.

I can now also adjust my sail down haul in the water with out having to go to shore which is a advantage at Avalon.

If you want more info drop us a line through the site email and I'll give you more info.

Alby

What ever happened to the "Crankin" extension. It had a mechanism for cranking on dh tension by pushing the mast up thus keeping the tack of the sail as low as it could be. I've never seen one. There used to be a website that flogged the thing.

There is more, which can be done.

Eventually they do wear a bit and will start to slip and in some cases jump when cranking.

As I said it's an easy fix to bring these back to new condition (IMHO better than new), and only takes 5-10 mins to do.

I'll make up a manual shortly on how to do it with photo's which I can email to our eastern states bretheren.

I'll also set up Steve at WSP with the method so he should be able to do them in house. I was previously picking them up a doing them at home, but this mean't a delay requiring manual downhauling.

Yes I had tried the larger rope trick, all it does is sit above the wheel, The Marlo rope is only about 0.4mm smaller than OEM which actually makes it sit in wheel better. It also has some real nice wear characteristics.

Alby

these are wikid pieces of gear!! but unfortunatly mine has the same problem sometimes...... ive found that washing it in hot fresh water helps out and stops slippage...... its a pain in the ass washing it all the time tho! but try it???

Mickey100 and Demons_Tiapan11.
DT think you mentioned rope size, yes very clever on North’s behalf 4.5mm
Soo until you can get replacement, carry out repair as recommended to clean up the serrations with a dremel style drill (bought mine full kit with flex shaft drive ex Bunning’s about 50 bucks I think )
Visit the nearest sail shop, usually at a yacht club and get the cord that has most woven cotton appearance in it with 6mm size. Takes a bit to get it into the downhaul system but perseverance will get it. This will run OK til North have replacement cord. 5mm may do it but I fitted 6mm. The 4mm Marlo cord lasted about two sails before it started to slip. Think it was too small in diameter and has more nylon style to it.


Who managed to get a new wheel can you say how much and where from

Arrrrrrrrgggghhhhhh

I've taken the photos of the bits and pieces, but work is very rudely getting in way.

I haven't forgoten

Sorry guys