Gene- We had a similar problem and just installed several of the Harken 57mm Carbo Blocks. prior to that, the furling line was lead through the loops at the stanchion bases to a smaller ratcheting turning block at the end of the line. We haven't used the new rig yet in a genuine test. So far it seems smoother. The red line is 7/16" for a preventer line, the black one is smaller, probably 10 mm.

This is on a 42 foot boat.

I highly recommend the Harken Standup Base springs to tame the otherwise flapping blocks.