I searched this subject and found some great information. However, nothing specific to my problem. For some reason I cannot raise the mainsail all the way up of the mast. I cannot get the last slug in the mast slot and the mainsail "sags" and is sloppy. As I mentioned I have slugs and have lubricated them. I have checked to make sure I don't have excessive outhaul. I can see there are no obstructions. Has anyone got any ideas. I really would like to not lower the mast.
PS I am new to this sailing stuff and have only been out 4 times but I really enjoy it and so does my wife. I have gotten so much good information and advice off this site!!! I want to thank you all! It is making my learning time much easier. Thanks!!!
I don't wish to sound silly, but could there be a knot in the halyard? This is similar to not checking to see if the lamp is plugged in when it does not light
Ray
Last edited by NiceAft on Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
If your boat came with a cunningham (block and tackle from the mast base to 3-4 ft along the boom) it may be tight.Sometimes I forget to release mine and the sail won't go all the way up. Also check that the mainsheet is thrown free (not jammed into the cleat) as this to can prvent the boom from rising, therfore stpping the main from going all the way up.
If evey thing is loose and it just stops, I would lower the mast and make sure the slot is undamaged and unobstructed at the point the main sail stops.
Make sure the boom vang and the mainsail sheets are fully released and even lift the boom up by hand a foot before going up to the mast to raise the mainsail. If they are not loosened, they will prevent the sail from hoisting fully as the leech of the sail will get tight and stop the hoist.
Lots of good ideas here. I don't think I have a cunningham from your description. I did check for a knot in the halyard but I think I had better check the Boom Vang. It may be the culprit. I will let you know after the weekend. After that it just may be a damaged slot (hopefully not!!). Thanks again.
Yup, if you do not consciously loosen the boom vang and main sheet the back edge (Lee ch) of the sail will get tight before the front (Luff) edge , preventing a full hoist.
I always use the topping lift to take the boom up way above running height which takes all pressure off the sail and lately have been using the winch to get pressure on the sail halyard before adjusting vang or outhauls etc.
