Hank,
I have had my main out if the IMF mast. The entire tube with the main furled around it pulls out of the bottom of the mast. Once out, remove the furling line (Note the direction of the wrap) you need to remove the bearings (donuts). It's pretty straight forward. Be sure to note proper positioning so you will reinstall it correctly. In my case, I had a clean flat lawn to unfurl the sail. Once unfurled (be sure to note the direction of the furling!) remove the sheet metal screws that secure the peak and clew of the sail. Slide sail out of groove in furling tube. Here some photos. I hope they help.

Joe Dempsey
M/V Voyager
Trojan 42
Former S/V Respite
Rhodes 22
Deltaville, VA




2. Pull Furling Tube with Main from Mast.png

3. Remove Screw from U-bracket Upper Bearing. disconnect Main.jpg

4. Detaching Main from Furler Tube.jpg

5. Remove furling line from tube.jpg

6. Locate Remove Bottom Bearing.jpg

7. Remove Lower Donuts and spool from Tube.jpg

8. Remove Furling Line.jpg

9. Slide Sail out of groove in Furling Tube.jpg

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of hankstein--- via Rhodes22-list
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 12:09 PM
To: RHODES OWNERS FORUM <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] in mast furler removing mainsail

I would like to find someone who has removed the mainsail from their in mast furling system. I understand how you can slide the entire furling mechanism through the bottom of the mast to replace the furling line.   Does the entire furling "rod" slide out the bottom and then allows the mainsl to be removed from the furling rod ?   It would be nice to know what to expect and if there are any helpful hints.  I have a tear near the clew which I would like to repair but will need the sail off the boat to do this.
Any help is appreciated.

Hank Stein     ("Muireann"   1993  R-22) Huron, Ohio
hankstein at aol.com7273248628