H31 Mainsail-Boom Questions

Mar 17, 2016
10
Hunter 31 Punta Gorda Florida
I have a 1985 H31 that has a number of hardware/gadgets/lines on the boom that are apparently associated with reefing, or at least mainsail operation. However, the reefing instructions in the manual don't identify or discuss half of this stuff. Further, there is a small metal "bracket" on the mast just above the gooseneck with two adjustment screws. As it stand now all it seems to do is interfere with raising and lowering the mainsail. Does any of this sound familiar with other Hunter owners. I want to understand how all this is supposed to operate - I'll gladly send photos to anyone who thinks they can help me.
 

HMT2

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Mar 20, 2014
900
Hunter 31 828 Shoreacres, TX
I have an '83 send some pictures. The bracket you are describing sounds like it might be gate for keeping you mainsail slugs in the track.
 
Mar 17, 2016
10
Hunter 31 Punta Gorda Florida
Thanks for the reply HMT2. I've attached 4 photos. One is the "gate" as you call it and I discovered this morning that you are correct: if I loosen the two screws and back off the plate the "slugs" easily come out. I guess I need to ensure it is adjusted correctly so it does not interfere with the raising/lowering of the mainsail. Another picture is showing two "gear-like" black levers below the boom just behind the gooseneck. Any ideas on these? Another photo shows 3 hooks above the gooseneck on the boom, plus another small slug-like attachment point. I expect one hook is used for reefing but why three? Last photo is a wire cable at the topping-lift end of the boom. It seems it puts tension on the clew end to keep the sail foot taught. But my problem is this cable disappears into the boom - where does it go so I can adjust the tension on the clew/foot using this cable?

Thanks!
 

Attachments

Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
That gear like black lever is a stop that will adjust the tension on the clew at the leach foot in your last photo when you pull on the line. The hooks can be used for for both reefing and one can be used to attach a Cunningham to put tension on the luff for adjustment.
 

RoyS

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Jun 3, 2012
1,742
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
I have a 1980 H33 with Kenyon spars. I have two similar levers on the boom that lock the two reefing lines that pass through the boom from the outer end. I was able to obtain new parts to restore my reefing system from Kenyon. Look at the outer end of the boom and see if you have two sheaves to accommodate the reefing lines. On mine there is also a middle sheave for the outhaul line.
 

HMT2

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Mar 20, 2014
900
Hunter 31 828 Shoreacres, TX
The picture mast gate, you can close it and allow the slugs to stack up when the sail is down and then cover with a sail cover. The picture called boom gear is actually a cam that you can close to hold a line in place. The boom hooks are for reefing, not sure why you have two. The picture called wire cable is your outhaul, the line goes back through a sheave and back into the boom and will exit at the gooseneck and the cam will hold it in place.The cable turns from a cable to a line in the boom. Hope that helps.