I Blew My Outhaul

[Peter Milne]

While sailing a couple of days ago, the outhaul let go or at least partly. The clew of the sail flew out about 5-6 feet (The main sail is loose footed). I was able to bring it back into position by pointing into the wind and hauling hard (no apparent mechanical advantage) on the outhaul line which is now 5 feet longer than before.Are there any ideas as to what may have happened and how it can be fixed. Do I need to remove the boom? (The boom is a ZSpar Z480)Thanks in advance.Peter MilneS/V Blue Heron

 

[Scott]

Two things ...

I don't have any experience with your boom but I have disassembled mine and know how the pully system works for the outhaul and I wouldn't be surprised if yours is similar. It sounds like something came apart or broke inside your boom and you lost the purchase (probably 3 to 1). Yes, you will have to take it apart but that should not be any big deal. I bet you could resolve it in an afternoon.Second, your loose footed sail should have a sail slug near the clew so that it won't fly off in a similar circumstance. The pressure you had on the outhaul by itself in an unnatural direction may have caused the failure to begin with. The outhaul should only be pulling in alignment with the boom. A sail slug would keep the alignment in the correct position for the outhaul to be pulling.