The main on my 1997 Hunter 310 is very difficult to raise and lower. I have to winch it all the way up and actually pull it down. It is not the original main but I was wondering if that has been the problem for other 310 owners. I haven't gone aloft yet to check things out but I've never had a similar situation in any other sailboat. Any info or input would be appreciated.
Raising the main
- Thread starter prdewolf
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This has been discussed at length on other forums. First, your halyard needs to be the correct size. Most standard halyards are far too big. On a 31 foot boat, a 3/8" halyard is plenty big enough. Second, the sheeves need to be clean and free running. Any load placed on a high friction sheeve will dramatically increase the force needed to move the sail. Many people have made these changes with remarkable success.
something is wrong
The main should not be that difficult to raise and or lower. Besides the sailkote (good idea) you will have to do a trial and error to see what is going on. You should be able to raise the main almost all the way (except last foot or two and even then you should not need a winch)Make sure all the reefing lines are loose and not draging (undo them to test)check the sail slide to make sure they are the correct size (could they have been changed?)Could the be a problem at the top on the mast that the haylard is draging or snaged on something? Lots of ideas no solid answer other then to check each item until you find out why it is so hard to raise. Good Luck !
The main should not be that difficult to raise and or lower. Besides the sailkote (good idea) you will have to do a trial and error to see what is going on. You should be able to raise the main almost all the way (except last foot or two and even then you should not need a winch)Make sure all the reefing lines are loose and not draging (undo them to test)check the sail slide to make sure they are the correct size (could they have been changed?)Could the be a problem at the top on the mast that the haylard is draging or snaged on something? Lots of ideas no solid answer other then to check each item until you find out why it is so hard to raise. Good Luck !
another option
Since you don't say if this is a new problem or always has been, if none of the other stuff works you could have a wrap around another line in the mast which would require pulling the old haylard out and dropping it back through.
Since you don't say if this is a new problem or always has been, if none of the other stuff works you could have a wrap around another line in the mast which would require pulling the old haylard out and dropping it back through.
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