Neo wrote:Just to confirm... it's normal for the main to be 12 to 18 inches from the top block?
Has anyone been able to improve on that?
All the best.
Neo
Try the simplest solution first, then go to the more complex.
To me, the simplest action to try first is pull on the topping lift halyard, and then cleat it. This will signifantly raise the boom. Then try raising the main. Now you can uncleat the topping lift. This action has solved the problem for me.
I got around it by raising my gooseneck 10"s. I didn't do it to fix this, I did it to raise my bimini & not get hit in the head with a gybing boom.
Now it's fully erect
& I'm a lot happier as a move freely about the cockpit.
-The Admiral is too
I was thinking about doing that to mine . I think the space would be better used on the deck, than on the top of the mast. I was thinking if I raised the sail and boom not attached the gooseneck that would give me the new location.
I didn't see a mention in this thread, though I might have missed it. Is the tack fitting tight at the boom when the main is raised? If it is, that's as far as the main will go, barring adjustment of the bolt rope if there's a problem there. But the tack should be pulled up tight when the main is all the way up. The topping lift can remove some unnecessary load on the halyard (also be sure the main sheet is slack - it can hold the boom down, preventing the main from going all the way up), but if the bolt rope and tack fitting are tight, the problem is elsewhere.
And if it isn't tight, don't dismiss the possibility that the mast groove is pinched or something else is preventing the bolt rope or top slug from sliding freely.
Tomfoolery; You didn't miss it (or we both missed it). I was hoping Neo could post a pic of his situation so you smart guys could help him. I haven't been able to figure out whether he's hung up in the slot or the bolt rope has shrunk. I was extrapolating based on his statement of being low at the head and baggy at the boom. But as my wife will tell you, I'm usually way off the mark when it comes to understanding.
Jimmyt wrote:I was extrapolating based on his statement of being low at the head and baggy at the boom. But as my wife will tell you, I'm usually way off the mark when it comes to understanding.
And as my wife will tell you, I'm getting a little low in the head and baggy at the boom, too.
Raising the Boom is VERY temping .... But I agree with Kurz that it will make the Mac heel more.
Neo, if you pull on the halyard for the topping lift, you only raise the extreme end of the boom. Once the main is raised, you then release the halyard. The boom then goes right back to where it belongs.
The weight of the boom pulling on the leech is what may be preventing your main from reaching the top of the mast. Relieve the pressure, and allow the main to reach the top.
My Mac getting a good soaking at the Marina today. But the probability of rain is much lower over the next few days and she goes back on the Trailer on Friday .... So will report back with my finding.
NiceAft wrote:Neo, if you pull on the halyard for the topping lift, you only raise the extreme end of the boom. Once the main is raised, you then release the halyard. The boom then goes right back to where it belongs. The weight of the boom pulling on the leech is what may be preventing your main from reaching the top of the mast. Relieve the pressure, and allow the main to reach the top.
Yes I'm starting to understand this now Ray .... And keen to try it out too
We finally have a few days of sun after nearly drowning over the holidays. Hope you get clear weather soon so you can sort it out. Good luck with it and let us know what you find.
Neo wrote:
Raising the Boom is VERY temping .... But I agree with Kurz that it will make the Mac heel more.
Thanks for your help guys.
Neo
While I've heard that too, I have not experienced that in the 5 years since I raised it. I have had a Much more enjoyable time boating with a bimini I don't have to stoop under & not fearing getting whumped upside the head
All things being equal, the boat would heel more. How much more would be an interesting problem. Additionally, since the main sheet is adjustable for controlling heel, you can adjust for any additional heel tendency; insuring that all things will not be equal.
If you can still make hull speed and don't get knocked down every time there's a gust, the amount of additional heel tendency was evidently worth it to get a taller Bimini and fewer head injuries.
Neo wrote:Just to confirm... it's normal for the main to be 12 to 18 inches from the top block?
Has anyone been able to improve on that?
All the best.
Neo
Try the simplest solution first, then go to the more complex.
To me, the simplest action to try first is pull on the topping lift halyard, and then cleat it. This will signifantly raise the boom. Then try raising the main. Now you can uncleat the topping lift. This action has solved the problem for me.
Ray
The main on 'boat' goes all the way to the top of the mast:
That's what is supposed to happen, but Neo's doesn't, and that is why he posted.
Mine went all the way up also, it's supposed to. But every once in a while I would have the same problem as Neo. The solution in my case was was to make the leech go limp. That removed any lateral stress at the top of the main, and thus on the slugs also. Once the main is topped, the topping lift is loosened, the boom goes back to its functional position. Then sail away.
