Use a Quick-Release Shroud Lever
I had the same problem and used to cleat the jib halyard at the bow and then lean on it to bring the furler eye into alignment with the hole on the bow chainplate. The furler with a sail on it is cumbersome and does add weight. And I hated to pull that jib halyard so hard; always imagining it letting go with unthinkable damage to the boat and mast. So, I put a Johnson Marine #14-205 Quick Release (West Marine $48.49) lever on the backstay right at the aft chainplate. No cutting or swaging of wire needed. And I called Johnson to be sure it could take the load... they said the 1/8" wire will break before that lever. It works great (one of the better of many $50 investments I have made for the boat). Release the lever and I can just push on the mast with enough force to get the holes aligned. Then go back and pull the lever back down and she tightens right up. I also use a removeable pin, instead of the 1/4" bolt, at the uper end of the furler and I disconnect it from the mast when trailering. This allows me to shift the whole furler back (up) on the mast so that the bottom of the furler is at the pulpit for transit. I bungie it to the mast and it works fine with minimum hassle when rigging. Hope this helps. I've spent considerable time getting my 2002 X to be comfortable and easy to use for weekends on the water. And this includes simplifying rigging and unrigging.
