Removing Mainsail HELP

[chrisings]

Hoping the kind folks here can help me out. Finally closed on our '83 Cat 30 TRBS. I have to head up to the marina, a good 2 hour drive, and remove the mainsail. No idea how it's done, yeah we've owned a few sailboats before but should I expect any issues? I'm assuming there is a removable sail stop near the boom?

Thanks and Happy New Year!!

Chris

 

[Captn TJ]

Correct there will be a sail stop at the bottom. Remove the slides from the mast then pull the main out from the boom at the gooseneck.

FYI place the sail stop back on otherwise you're sure to lose it.

 

[chrisings]

Correct there will be a sail stop at the bottom. Remove the slides from the mast then pull the main out from the boom at the gooseneck.

FYI place the sail stop back on otherwise you're sure to lose it.

Thanks TJ, that's what I figured just didn't want to make the drive tomorrow and find out I forget a "special" tool.

I won't ask how you know to place the sail stop back on ;-)

 

[Spindrift NH]

My sail stop requires a large phillips head screwdriver and the tack is held on by a ss bolt with a locking nut, so if yours is similar you'll need a couple of wrenches.
Hope that helps

 

[Coriolisbc]

My sailstop uses an Allen key.
Take pictures of how your reefing line goes through the cringle at the luff and through the blocks near the clew, that will save you time when you put the main back on.

 

[chrisings]

My sailstop uses an Allen key.
Take pictures of how your reefing line goes through the cringle at the luff and through the blocks near the clew, that will save you time when you put the main back on.

Great tips, thanks everyone. I guess I'll pack a basic tool bag with the usual goodies. The sail has reef points but isn't rigged with reefing lines, just another spring project. I might be asking you for photos of your set-up.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Good luck. When you get around to it, consider double line reefing. Google it, it's better.

 

[chrisings]

Just want to say thanks again to everyone. Removal went very smoothly. Glad I made the trip to do it seeing the weather we have moving in. Stay warm fellow Nor'easters!

Chris

 

[jrowan]

Glad it went smoothly for you. Our P.O. had raised our boom height in order to clear a large bimini installation, which now requires that the boom be removed from the mast, because it blocks the main sail track slot now. Talk about a PITA!
P.S. I would recommend that you have your main sail cleaned & serviced while it is removed, as most of us have the closest sail loft clean & restitch our sails during the winter. We also remove our genoa from the roller furling during the winter, as it is actually more prone to high wind damage if it accidentally unfurls itself during a storm. I've seen some torn sails left on roller furlings over winter & it's not a pretty sight.
At least you can feel like your making some progress on the boat maintenance whilst waiting for winter to thaw! Cheers.

 

[chrisings]

Glad it went smoothly for you. Our P.O. had raised our boom height in order to clear a large bimini installation, which now requires that the boom be removed from the mast, because it blocks the main sail track slot now. Talk about a PITA!
P.S. I would recommend that you have your main sail cleaned & serviced while it is removed, as most of us have the closest sail loft clean & restitch our sails during the winter. We also remove our genoa from the roller furling during the winter, as it is actually more prone to high wind damage if it accidentally unfurls itself during a storm. I've seen some torn sails left on roller furlings over winter & it's not a pretty sight.
At least you can feel like your making some progress on the boat maintenance whilst waiting for winter to thaw! Cheers.

Oh man, that's clearly a PIA. Like I said this isn't our first boat but we've been boatless for 15 years and it's funny what you forget, like removing the battens as you lower the sail, not after you've got the whole mess in the cockpit (boat's still in the water). Especially when it's fully battened!! I felt really dumb when I realize my mistake.

We've got a good sail loft across the street from the marina and I've already left them a message. This boat came with no less than 6 sails! One of the headsails looks like it has never been used. Now I just need a little warm up so we can unfold everything and see just what we've got in those bags.