376 Mainsail Problems

[Don Alexander]

Hi Tony,Every 376 owner has this problem and I believe it comes mostly from the deck organiser. I intend to experiment by routing the halyard tail direct to the rope clutch from the mast foot sheave. It may well mean some deck mods if successful. I know of two boats being sold on because the owners could not get the mainsail up.Suggest you read the archives where I suggested a two part purchase which improves the situation enormously but does not quite eliminate it if you need any luff tension..Regards,

 

[Phil Rains]

Almost but not quite

The deck organizer may help, but it's not the final answer.I usually jump the halyard from the mast and have a crew member pull in the slack at the cockpit. It's the last six feet (2m) that is the big problem. 200 pounds of me is still not enough to raise it beyond that. That's why I like to have a crew member do the final cranking. That's the real hard work. But it is a good test of your heart and valves.

 

[Rich]

Raising the 376 Main

Unless you have an electric winch, here is what I've learned about raising the main on my 376. Use the topping lift for the first part of the excercise and pull the boom up just past parallel with the deck. Pull enough of your reef lines through to the mast so there is no drag on them. Jump the main from the mast while someone takes up the slack in the cockpit. You should be able to get it to within about 1-2 feet of the top of the mast. From there you'll have to winch it the rest of the way. Be sure you release the topping lift and the mainsheet before you start cranking. If you can get the angle just right at the start with the topping lift I've actually been able to jump it all the way to the top occassionally but usually I have to winch the last foot or so. Hope this helps.

 

[Don Alexander]

Jumping the Main

Thanks guys. I normally sail single handed and already do all you recommend. I have now fitted a cam cleat on the mast between the halyard exit and the foot block, but slightly out of line. I pull the sail up from the mast with the boat on autopilot. then when I have it as far as I can get it I put it into the cleat and then return to the cockpit and pull all the slack through. And then the last bit via the winch pulls the halyard out of the cleat and I winch the last foot or so. Mostly it works but sometimes the slack rope at the heel of the mast gets into a dreadful tangle.Like others I take pills for my blood pressure - I guess its kill or cure for me!Incidentally I have a block attached to the headboard and a two part halyard of only 10mm diameter.Regards,Don.