Mail downhaul

[David R. King]

Has anyone had any experience with a downhaul for the main? My theory is that in sloppy weather, when I want to drop sail outside the entrance to the marina, I could just come into the wind, have a line tied to the head of the main and running back to the cockpit, haul it down, let it drop into the lazyjacks, and neaten it up when I got in more protected waters. Pretty simple, and all for the price of some 5/16" line, and a few pieces of hardware. I´d need a block on the base of the mast, a turning block, and a jam cleat handy to the cockpit to hold the downhaul taunt when sailing. Too simple? This is on an h26. Thanks for your comments. David King

 

[Steve O.]

?

I don't get it--doesn't your main just drop when you release the main halyard? Why rig up extra lines that aren't needed?

 

[William Jowell]

Mine drops like a streamlined rock!

I agree. No downhaul required.

 

[T J Furstenau]

Agree with Steve

When I release my main halyard, the sail comes down all by itself. The only time it might bind a little is if the the mainsheet is cranked down, or if I'm sailing off the wind. But if you use the topping lift to raise the boom and head into the wind, down it comes.If your sail is sticking, I'd look at your mast track and/or sail slides.Hope this helps.

 

[John Scharer]

Use Sailkote

I just recently sprayed Sailkote lubricant in the mast track and saw a big difference in the main dropping when the halyard is released. Give it a try.