Selden Furling Mast RB/RC — Owner's Manual

The System

The Selden furling mast sets and reefs the mainsail inside the mast. The halyard swivel bearing spreads the load over the whole ball race for low friction under load. The Mk5 gear mechanism is prepared for an electric retrofit.

• At the masthead: top swivel.
• Inside the mast: luff extrusion with halyard swivel and sail feeder (reached through the upper access hole).
• At the gear: line driver with winch handle socket, ratchet controller, tensioning screw and tack hook (reached through the lower access hole).

Sail design: follow Selden instruction 595-542 "Sailmakers guide". An incorrect tack or head causes wrinkles and makes furling difficult.

Checking & Adjusting Luff Extrusion Tension

The luff extrusion is tensioned at the factory. To check before stepping, lay the mast on its side, straight: the extrusion should be just clear of the mast wall at its midpoint. Once stepped, it should not touch the mast wall when pushed by hand. Part of the extrusion rests on the aft face of the sail compartment when sailing.

1. Remove the access covers: depress one button and push, then lift the opposite end.
2. Release the locking screw a few turns (counterclockwise) and lift the locking tube to expose the tensioning screw. Secure the tube with tape.
3. Lubricate the tensioning screw with rigging screw oil. Put a winch handle in the line driver, hold the luff extrusion through an access hole so it cannot rotate, and turn clockwise to tension.
4. When tension is right, back off counterclockwise until the locking tube flange aligns with the groove in the luff extrusion. Lower the tube and tighten the locking screw. The line driver must be set to "FREE" before turning counterclockwise.
5. Refit the access covers.

Do not over-tension: an over-tensioned luff extrusion needs more furling effort. Always release backstay tension before adjusting.

Fitting the Sail & Before Sailing

1. Remove the covers (press one button, push, lift the opposite end).
2. Attach the head of the sail to the swivel shackle and the halyard to the halyard swivel.
3. Attach the clew to the outhaul car.
4. Hoist while making sure the sail feeds correctly through the sail feeder into the luff extrusion.
5. Attach the tack to the tack hook and tighten the halyard.
6. Furl until only 200–300 mm of the clew is exposed, turning the line driver clockwise.

• The sail must furl on the starboard side of the luff extrusion: pull the starboard part of the endless line so the line driver turns clockwise.
• Furl and unfurl a couple of times to check the system and the sail size.
• Keep the area aft of the mast free of halyards, or the sail can catch them while furling.

Spare Parts: Furling Gear & Backing Plates (Mk5)

Assembly 543-101-02 for mast extrusion F228/F217; 543-101-01 for all sizes above.

Spare Parts: Tack, Sail Feeder & Luff Extrusion

Assemblies: tack 543-136-01 (RB) / 543-201-01 (RC); sail feeder 540-154-01 (RB) / 540-233-01 (RC).

Spare Parts: Halyard Swivel & Top Swivel

Assemblies: halyard swivel 540-158-01 (RB) / 540-253-01 (RC); top swivel 540-164-01 (RB) / 540-204-01 (RC).

Additional Items

Identifying an Older Furling Mast (RA/RB/RC Mk I–III)

From the RA–RC spare parts list 595-110-E (included as a download). The production number engraved in the section close to the heel also identifies the mast. Early RA masts were made by Kemp Masts Ltd as "Reefin".

• 595-110-E: spare parts list for RA, RB and RC Mk III.
• 595-065-E: manual for type RB Mk 4.
• 595-063-E: manual for type RB Mk II / RC Mk II.
• 595-020-E: manual for type RB/RC (2007 edition).
• 595-050-E: Furlin RB & RC spare parts list (scanned).