Have a newly purchased 1994 29.5 Hunter. Having trouble with the end of the battens catching on the topping lift. Any solutions? Also the lazy jacks get in the way when raising the main sail.
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Raising Mainsail
We have found that the best way to raise the main is to be sure that you are pointing directly into the wind. Not only does this take any pressure off of the sail making it easier to raise, it also lines up the sail between the Lazy Jacks. I find that the best way to accomplish this is to be pointed fairly closely into the wind and start raising the main to the point where it is about to catch on the Jacks, we then adjust the direction in which the boat points and give a quick pull to bring the sail up between the Jack lines. This all requires that you are using the engine and have sufficient water to go into the wind. Another method is to slack the Jacks off sufficiently so that they can be led behind the reefing hooks at the boom/mast, this gets them out of the way. Obviously you have to reset them before dropping the main. Sometimes the topping lift will catch behind the leech below a batten all we do is slack off the topping lift and sort it out by giving the line a shake.
We have found that the best way to raise the main is to be sure that you are pointing directly into the wind. Not only does this take any pressure off of the sail making it easier to raise, it also lines up the sail between the Lazy Jacks. I find that the best way to accomplish this is to be pointed fairly closely into the wind and start raising the main to the point where it is about to catch on the Jacks, we then adjust the direction in which the boat points and give a quick pull to bring the sail up between the Jack lines. This all requires that you are using the engine and have sufficient water to go into the wind. Another method is to slack the Jacks off sufficiently so that they can be led behind the reefing hooks at the boom/mast, this gets them out of the way. Obviously you have to reset them before dropping the main. Sometimes the topping lift will catch behind the leech below a batten all we do is slack off the topping lift and sort it out by giving the line a shake.
Loosen the main sheet
In addition to the other advice you have received loosening the main sheet will help substantially. That way the main will luff and the sail will fair with the wind. Scott
In addition to the other advice you have received loosening the main sheet will help substantially. That way the main will luff and the sail will fair with the wind. Scott
Topping Lift Off
Our 29.5 has lazy jacks and a rigid vang, yet I can't part with the topping lift (sing "Overkill" by Buffett) The topping lift is a neat place to run signal flags and other novelties so I just let it go completely slack so that it rarely disturbs the sail. Any ideas on how to keep it rigged but stow it out of the way would be good.
Our 29.5 has lazy jacks and a rigid vang, yet I can't part with the topping lift (sing "Overkill" by Buffett) The topping lift is a neat place to run signal flags and other novelties so I just let it go completely slack so that it rarely disturbs the sail. Any ideas on how to keep it rigged but stow it out of the way would be good.
Kind of OT (off topic)
We have the same problem but it is compounded by the bimini (sic). If we don't keep tension on the lift the boom beats the heck out bimibi. Taking the bimibi down is not an option in the Sea of Cortez, and I am 6'1" so we can't really lower it. Any suggestions, other than modifying the sail, for a bimini, batten problem? Russ Her Diamond Ring
We have the same problem but it is compounded by the bimini (sic). If we don't keep tension on the lift the boom beats the heck out bimibi. Taking the bimibi down is not an option in the Sea of Cortez, and I am 6'1" so we can't really lower it. Any suggestions, other than modifying the sail, for a bimini, batten problem? Russ Her Diamond Ring
Raising the Main
WE have found the best way to solve the promlem is as K. Wilson described. Point the boat directly into the wind, and keep it there as best you can. When you fall off, the battens bind and its very difficult. Once the main is up, ease the topping lift, as well as the jacks, so they don't influence the shape of the main will sailing.Running the topping lift aft through a cluch and winch make it easier to control than from the mast
WE have found the best way to solve the promlem is as K. Wilson described. Point the boat directly into the wind, and keep it there as best you can. When you fall off, the battens bind and its very difficult. Once the main is up, ease the topping lift, as well as the jacks, so they don't influence the shape of the main will sailing.Running the topping lift aft through a cluch and winch make it easier to control than from the mast
Some ideas..
As an 29.5 owner with same mainsail/lazy-jecks problem , I agree with the main advise. On related issues, has anyone tried to : A. lead back the toping lift to cockpit ? if so , how and where another mast-foot block and cluch were fitted ? as I installed third reefing line in boom no 'spare' clutch or block available , and with inner mould cabin ceiling and balsa deck , it looks almost imposible to add deck hardware. B. Same for boom-vang rope lead back to cockpit ? Many thanks, Alex.
As an 29.5 owner with same mainsail/lazy-jecks problem , I agree with the main advise. On related issues, has anyone tried to : A. lead back the toping lift to cockpit ? if so , how and where another mast-foot block and cluch were fitted ? as I installed third reefing line in boom no 'spare' clutch or block available , and with inner mould cabin ceiling and balsa deck , it looks almost imposible to add deck hardware. B. Same for boom-vang rope lead back to cockpit ? Many thanks, Alex.
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