[Rhodes22-list] re move mainsail

[David Culp]

So you could fix it without taking the mast down?  Then I wouldn't step the
mast just for fun even with the raising system.  There's no trick to it
anyway and it violates my rule not to fix something that isn't broken when
you could be sailing instead.  On the other hand, if you are taking the mast
down for some other purpose, then I would get as many things done as
possible including sliding the main foil out to clean and lube both ends of
it without unfurling the sail.  Also, there are two good size screws that
hold the bottom slider together.  These were loose on my boat and I had to
make a tool to get to the nuts to tighten them with the mast up.  This is
easy with the mast down.  If you are going to take the mast down anyway,
then I would clean and lube all the sheaves and blocks up top that the
halyards and topping lift run through and check all the standing rigging for
wear, especially the forestay.  Also, the spreader boots and tape. Like you
said, If you have a steaming light, now is a good time to check it and put
in a new bulb.   Bottom line, when I take the mast down-I apply Murphy's law
very liberally to all the parts that I normally can't put my hands on, then
I don't worry about them until the next time.

Have fun,
David




Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:36:38 -0800 (PST)
From: cowie <ccowie at cowieassociates.com>
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] re  move mainsail
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Message-ID: <27737441.post at talk.nabble.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii


David:

Thanks for the input.  I  have the mast raising system so taking the mast
down should be pretty easy and this will be a good exercise just so that I
am comfortable doing it by myself.  This will also be a good time to check
my mast head light and figure out exactly what's up there regarding anchor
light and mast head light.

Your suggestions on a messenger line,  tight furl when re-installing the
main and lubrication sound good.  The only reason I am removing the main
sail is to repair some stitching at the sunbrella cover and I wonder if I
should just do this without taking the mainsail off?  Any best practices on
how to fold the mainsail if I do take it off?  Will folding the sail make it
more difficult to slide back into the mast?



David Culp-3 wrote:
>
> Chris:
>
> I just recently did this.  Run a messenger line through the boom when you
> pull the furling line out so as to make re-installation easier.
>
> When the foil comes out of the mast you will find a plastic donut attached
> to the top of it.  Take care not to break it, clean it and I lubed mine
> with
> silicon spray.
>
> Now is an excellent time to check the condition of the furling line and
> replace it if necessary.
>
> Be aware that when you reinstall the sail on the foil that you must get
> the
> luff tight-I always use a helper to make sure that I get tension on it
> before securing it being careful not to bend the foil.
>
> Last, when you go to roll the sail on the foil and back into the mast-make
> sure to add a couple of extra loops of furling line around the base of the
> foil because you can't get the sail rolled as tight as it will be once the
> wind is in it and you are rolling it in a few times.  A used, stretched
> sail
> may not exhibit this phenom as badly as my new one did but it is a lot
> tougher to add loops when the mast is up.  Also, I chose to reinstall with
> the mast sitting horizontally on saw horses; with a couple of helpers to
> make sure that it was rolling up as tightly and straight without wrinkles
> as
> possible.  Came off without a hitch though when I pull the boat this year,
> I
> am going to recheck the luff tension.  I have the battened IMF main and
> there is just barely enough room inside the mast for it and it will
> wrinkle
> as it goes in if the luff is not tight and straight.
>
> Hope this helps.
> David
>