[C320-list] Roller furling system

[Jerry's Iphone]

Greetings to all from the Southern shores of the Chesapeake Bay. 
Over the season our Schaefer genoa furler has been progressively harder to open and take in. I assume it's the original since I have seen no service record of replacement. We are 2nd owners.
Questions to group 1- Any DIY ideas I should try before bringing in help? 2- what is lifespan of most furlers? And 3-if it's bearings, can they be replaced?

Thanks as always for the great help from this group. 

Jerry Sheets
JellyRoll  2002  #890