Main sail - super hard to raise

[BigAl.NZ]

After some input on what might be causing my main to be hard to raise lately.

The background: The main on our 40 foot hood was attached to the track in the mast by slugs. We recently upgraded to roller type attachments and since then we can easily haul the main up by hand, except for about the last meter.

Until today......today I was lucky to get it all the way up even with the winch in low gear. I checked the usual suspects:
1. boat dead into wind
2. reefing lines loose
3. main sheet rope loose, outhaul loose,
4. Batons not caught on lazy jacks

Now the only thing we have changed is we replaced our cap shrouds and intermediates, and did some tuning in the process (including back stay).

The mast now has a very slight rake in it. But I would not expect this to cause such a dramatic change - could it?

Halyard goes up and down without sail attached just fine.

[Rucksta]

When the halyard hangs straight down, how far from the gooseneck is it?

If your cars are the type that has a slug in the track and external wheels that run on the mast then the hoist angle can drag the slugs rather than running on the wheels.

With a fully battened main bringing the mainsheet in enough to fill the sail and create some drive pushes the cars forward allows the wheels to do their job.

Removing the car from the top batten and replacing with a slug can also help.

Good luck

[tkeithlu]

OK. We're looking at something that is going on in the last meter or so of the mast. The top slugs on the sail run free until then, so it sounds like the track or the sheave near the top, not the sail. Possibilities: The track near the top has come loose or otherwise bent so that the "slugs" cannot run freely that last distance. Two, the halyard is being pulled to the side. Since the most likely cause of #2 is the track being loose, we're back to that.

Oh. A third. If the new attachments hold the sail away from the mast, the whole thing could bind as you get close to the sheave.

So, get out your binoculars, focus down, and watch what happens as the sail nears the top of the mast. You're going to see something happen when the top slug binds, given the load you are putting on it with the winch in low gear.

If you still can't see the problem, it's time to climb the mast, using other halyards as your lift and your safety line, and then watch this failure occur up close.

Good luck with it.

[boatman61]

Dunno if your Hood has the same as the mast that was on Hawk, a Hood that I delivered but the track was not an external add on but part of the mast itself..
Maybe its just very dirty in there.. go up and work your way down cleaning the groove well then (old fashioned way) rub candlewax into the groove to lube the track.. or buy the appropriate spray.. wear goggles

[BigAl.NZ]

Thanks for all the replies. It prompted me to go down today and have a good look at things. I discovered a twist in the halyard around the back stay I had missed.

Have not tested yet, but Im bloody sure it didnt help.

Thanks again

[guyrj33]

May I also suggest checking the tension on the Leach.
If the main sheet is snubbed pulling the Leach and clew Of the main sail down you may not be able to raise it all the way.

[MJH]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

After some input on what might be causing my main to be hard to raise lately.

The background: The main on our 40 foot hood was attached to the track in the mast by slugs. We recently upgraded to roller type attachments and since then we can easily haul the main up by hand, except for about the last meter.

Until today......today I was lucky to get it all the way up even with the winch in low gear. I checked the usual suspects:
1. boat dead into wind
2. reefing lines loose
3. main sheet rope loose, outhaul loose,
4. Batons not caught on lazy jacks

Now the only thing we have changed is we replaced our cap shrouds and intermediates, and did some tuning in the process (including back stay).

The mast now has a very slight rake in it. But I would not expect this to cause such a dramatic change - could it?

Halyard goes up and down without sail attached just fine.

It sounds like you now have the current problem solved. Long term you should consider a Tides Marine Sail Track. Relatively easy to install and eliminates all main raising/lowering problems.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

Thanks for all the replies. It prompted me to go down today and have a good look at things. I discovered a twist in the halyard around the back stay I had missed.

Have not tested yet, but Im bloody sure it didnt help.

Thanks again

Nice thanks for the prompt reply.
Easy fix!
Now we sit and watch all, the late responses come in.
Boatyarddog