While pinning the forestay one day, I noticed what appeared to be an excess amount of play within the reel assembly of the CDI Furler. This resulted in appx. 6-8 inches of slack stretch on the forestay. This "strange-happening" was substantiated when I had to adjust (tighten) the aft-stay beyond the previous setting. However, the mast appeared stable (although with a resulting increased aft-rake)and I ventured out on a beautiful, though rare, S.E. Alaska day. While raising main, I immediately noticed that I could not raise the main to it's full length, resulting in about 12 inches of wasted sail at her foot. The Leech cleats did not appear to be binding in the mast track and the halyard looked clear. To my dismay, I haven't figured it out yet. QUESTION: Is a certain amount of play, in The Furler-Reel, normal?