Mainsail outhaul question

[Fred G]

I have an 81' Hunter 30. I was putting on the mainsail and I accidently pulled the outhaul assembly too far up the boom and the rope end at the mast (which didn't have a knot in the end) went into the boom. I cannot pull the outhaul all the way through either. I am currently using the reefing line (which also secures at the mast end of the boom) as the outhaul. Any special tricks to get the outhaul back to the mast without disassembling the boom?

 

[Matt]

I take it you have an internal outhaul...

The blocks will need to be removed. If there is a trick to re-rigging an internal triple to double, without two ends of the line coming out of the boom, and without removing the blocks, I would love to hear it. Next time, tie a figure eight!

 

[Michael McCann]

Outhaul in the boom?

Fred;No! It isn't that a bad task to take the boom apart. You might take advantage to make a few changes while you are in there.Michael

 

[Rich]

Sample problem, didn't have to remove all blocks

I had a similar problem earlier this year. The (internal) outhaul line parted. I pulled the block out from the aft end (used some line still around it.) Then removed the boom. The mast end of the boom was riveted on, so I drilled out the rivets and was able to get to the block on that end. By using gravity feed I was able to get the new line around both internal blocks and back to both the outhaul attachment and then ran bitter end through out the mast end. Then tapped holes for stainless steel screws in mast end of boom and reattached it.

 

[Ray Chapman]

Use a snake

I have never had that problem, but have had to run some electrical lines on my boat. I used a snake for the wires and maybe that would work with your out haul.Ray

 

[Fred G]

I fixed it!

I managed to get the outhaul fixed without removing the boom. The reefing line had enough length so I could tape a small diameter string to it and run it from the back of the boom to the mast. Once I had the string run (and cleared the birds nest of straw and grass that a bird had deposited in the boom removed), I pulled the outhaul out of the back of the boom and tapped it to the string, then carefully pulled it through. Thanks for all of your help!