How to thread mainsheet through the boom??? I ca

[Mark Spooner]

I have a Hunter 33. The mainsheet is supposed to run from the cockpit to the mast (through a couple of blocks on the deck), then up to the boom, then through the boom to an exit point 3/4 back along the boom. My problem: The mainsheet got pulled back out of the boom. How can I rethread it back through the boom? I can't figure out how this can be done.

 

[JoeWhite]

Main sheet normally does not enter the boom, instead it is through a few blocks that are hanging from the bottom of the boom. I wonder if you mean topping lift.
Photos would help.

 

[dlochner]

Use an electrician's fish tape. Feed the tape from the exit point forward to the end of the boom. Attach the mainsheet to the fish tape and pull it back through.

 

[jssailem]

I see what you are talking about, Mark.

https://sbo.sailboatowners.com/downloads/Hunter_33_914140.pdf

I would run a messenger line on a fish from the exit of the boom (stern end) down through the boom to the mast mainsheet. exit. There is nothing fancy about the mainsheet in the boom. The diagram shows the mainsheet lying on the bottom of the boom. Tie the messenger to the mainsheet and pull it through the boom.

This is a 1977 design. Many builders now just run the mast sheet to a midpoint. The good thing about the design is that the traveler is connected to the end of the boom. This enhances your boom safety and control.

 

[JBP-PA]

My favorite trick is to tape some string to a small super magnet. Put it in the boom and use another super magnet on the outside to pull it along until you reach the exit. This also ensures you don't wrap around any other lines in there like reef lines, outhaul, etc.

 

[jssailem]

Good point @JBP-PA
One idea I have used is to pull the out haul and reefing lines taut so that they are suspended in the air of the boom. This leaves space along the bottom to push a fish wire or fiberglass rods through without interference.
Prayer sometimes helps to accomplish this task.