Downhaul bends mast??

Ok I'm new to this. I've been messing with the downhaul on my 79 to see how it effects sail shape, but mistly I notice that if I set up the downhaul as a block-tackle to get some pull, it just bends the mast tip over!

I did not take the time to figure out what I had for advantage, but it was likely 3:1 or so.

How tight to pull the downhaul? Does it really help with sail shape? What does everyone else do here???

-jeff

I am concerned that your mast might not be perfectly straight... compressing the mast with the down haul might exaggerating on that imperfection.
Down haul tension is important... there is a limit (marker / tape) on your mast.

Patrick

Yes, my mast is not perfectly straight. Me pulling on the downhaul does exacerbate the problem.

At this point, I've read many posts on bent masts, and I'm not sure I want to try and straighten it. It seems that kinking the mast is a possible outcome that I don't want. The bend is slight, until you crank on the downhaul.

I don't have any indicators on my mast, how far down to pull? How tight?

Any easy mast straightening tricks? I can't see myself yanking on the base with the tip stuck in forked tree.

-jeff

Mast bends when you downhaul. Yes...this is normal. The downhaul forces the mast to compress. Now, if the upper section is bending independently, that may be a loose CompTip? Check to see that the CompTip is properly glued in. The Tips do bend a bit more than the lower section.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)