JL Stratton;
Thanks for the photos. That will help a lot.
First, you have the smaller turnbuckle boot covers that barely fit over the turnbuckles. If you ever take the mast down, replace them with the next size up so they will turn more freely and put the cap on the other end. They are there so the jib sheets or other ropes, oops I said bad word so I will call them lines, will not catch the cotter pins or rings which if they come off, the turnbuckles will turn on you while sailing and loose a rig as they are designed to cover those turnbuckles. I noted some hose below the turnbuckle clevis pins. Good idea to help keep the turnbuckles from catching but when raising the mast always keep a look at them anyway to insure that the turnbuckle studs are not catching or bending.
Looking at the bar the chain plate is attached to was the proper size for manufacture but adding a longer one will not hurt. I did note when exploding the picture, the gel coat is cracked forward only, not the fiberglass. I think but not really an issue but helps to suggest what I am going to discuss.
Looking at the mast, I tend to think I am seeing a slight bend backwards. That would tend to make me think the previous owner overtightened the lower shrouds to keep the furler taunt due to a 135% genoa which most would vs. tightening the upper shrouds. Loosening the lowers a little will help. Now for news you do not want to hear and it will be up to you what you want to do. Your boat was designed for a max 110% jib lapper because this is a B&R rig that does not require a back stay. When the mast rig was being designed, the idea was to put more sail into the mainsail for more power where it should be thus eliminating the big genoa. From my experience, the boat sails faster, flatter so when heeling,, no more than a 12-14 degree heel by sail control either reducing or reefing. You will go faster but you are overpowered with that 135 genoa even in light air. In light air, I would have a A symmetrical spinnaker vs. larger genoa not to mention set up of the sheet lines. A lot has to do with the larger mainsail as designed. Essentailly with the larger main and 110 jib lapper, the sail equates to a 140 genoa with a standard main if designed that way. The larger sail and more power in it will cause the furler to sag more requiring more tightening of the lower shrouds which probably is the root cause. I hope this makes sense.
If I owned the boat, I would rethink this 135 to a smaller sail or 110 and purchasing a 110 unless you already have one.
JL, private message to you with cell phone if you want to discuss this further.
