Hi all,
Just started the SOPS for this season, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for properly (and quickly) raising the main? The problem I am seeming to have now is I struggle toward the end when it seems to get quite heavy. I have also found that the tips of my index fingers are blistering from the experience (is this normal?), the rest of them are fine due to some nice gloves :)
Let me know if there's anything I should be aware of!
Make up a piece of line about 30cm with a leader whipped to it. Should be a good fit in the track.
Spray it with you favorite lube. I use silicon spray. Connect one end to halyard and the other to a downhaul.
Feed into track and see saw up and down.
This will remove salt and sand inside the track and apply a thin layer of lube.
I do this about 4 times a year. I have very old sails with a boltrope and this system works really well.
Gary
Select to expand quotesamsturdy said..
Good idea Gary. Does the angle of boom to mast make any difference ?.
Good point Sam, best to make sure the vang and main sheet (reefs, cunningham) are free to let the boom lift.
It's also surprising the number who don't wash their masts regularly to get rid of salt spray. Whilst cleaning the track is a good idea, how about the rest? Go up the mast in a chair with bucket and sponge and work your way down.
My normal procedure is . Slacken mainsheet,cunningham and using topping lift set end of boom higher than where it normally sits , Tighten mainsheet ,head to wind and pull like crazy and finish off with winch if necessary ,let off topping lift.
check the top sheeve is rotating freely. it's out of sight so often missed...
cheers,
Lots of great points.
Lubing the track and making sure your boom is free to lift for the last grind is a must.
I've done that more times than I can count, sweating on the last few metres and then look up to find the mainsheet has tightened up and I'm fighting it 
.
Doesn't hurt to end for end your halyard if you can (its not spliced one end) they can get a bit stiff as they get older. If you haven't got a swivel they can torque twist up after a while too which makes it harder.
If you have the time mouse the halyard an pull it out and give it a soak in the bath with fresh water for a few days with a touch of nappysan is something else to consider.
Hi Sam
Re; Does the angle of boom to mast make any difference ?.
When I clear away after a sail,(when the mainsail has been stowed) I ease the mainsheet, hoist on the (mainsail) toppinglift then tighten up the mainsheet to stop the boom from swinging around (also have an extra light line that I tie from end of boom across cockpit to stop the swing).
So when I go to hoist the mainsail the toppinglift is already holding the boom up.
After main is hoisted I ease the topping lift.
gary
If your main halyard is spliced, the thick and stiff part of the halyard where it is spliced can be hard to pull through the sheave.
Cut the spliced piece off and tie a halyard knot
Select to expand quoterumblefish said..
If your main halyard is spliced, the thick and stiff part of the halyard where it is spliced can be hard to pull through the sheave.
Cut the spliced piece off and tie a halyard knot
I'm a big fan of the halyard hitch. Been using it on everything.
Select to expand quoteNeonistra said..
Hi all,
Just started the SOPS for this season, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips for properly (and quickly) raising the main? The problem I am seeming to have now is I struggle toward the end when it seems to get quite heavy. I have also found that the tips of my index fingers are blistering from the experience (is this normal?), the rest of them are fine due to some nice gloves :)
Let me know if there's anything I should be aware of!
Hi Neonistra
A few questions just to get an idea of what you are dealing with
How large is the boat (or what type is it)
How many crew are available when hoisting the sail
Does the halyard go back to the cockpit or do you have winches on the mast
Is the halyard all rope, wire and rope or all wire and what diameter is it
Are you heading head to wind when hoisting the main
Is the boom vang released when hoisting the sail and is there enough slack in the reefing lines for it to go all the way up without pulling on the reefing lines
Regards Don
