Mainsail deployment - Hunter 31

[asmits]

When deploying the mainsail on my 2006 Hunter 31, I'm not sure how much sail to deploy. The outhaul gets pretty tight, but the sail foot seems to have a fair amount of slack, and I feel like I'm spilling lots of air between the foot and the boom. Is there supposed to be a large gap between the sail foot and the boom, or am I not getting the sail fully deployed? Should I need to wench the outhaul?

Thanks,
Allan

 

[Scott B]

I usually pull out the main on the winch by hand and then put the winch handle to tighten. I then adjust the outhaul depending on the wind conditions. The foot is not overly taught, but not sloppy, hard to describe in words.

 

[Alan]

Did you miss the fun on the "outhaul" thread? Seems a good many folks never need to or don't know how to adjust their outhaul. Drop in on the Sail Trim forum for a few pointers on the various adjustments and how and when to make them.

 

[asmits]

Thanks, guys! Yeah, I missed the forum, but heading there now I know. Glad to know I'm not the only newbie to in-mast furling techniques!