Mainsail Downhaul

Has anyone used a downhaul block for the mainsail? I am finding it a bit tough to get the gooseneck down into the lower luff track.

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~Tom in CT
81' H-16

There used to be a little kit that was two small pieces of plastic and a long machine screw. The plastic would go on the top and bottom of the gooseneck, held by the long screw. This helped the gooseneck slide. I don't know if it is still available. What I do is set the gooseneck into the slot, then run the downhaul line down through the hole in the cleat then back up through the ring on the gooseneck, the way you would normally rig it. I then take the loose end a put it over the gooseneck. I pull down on both sides while pulling forward some on the top of the gooseneck. You get a lot of mechanical advantage and straighten up the gooseneck at the same time. It is harder to describe than to do.

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Howard

Thanks Howard...I will give it a try today! Hopefully the wind picks up!

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~Tom in CT
81' H-16

Tom - Try sheeting in your main sail, with your boat pointed straight into the wind, and don't let your mast rotate. Do this while letting the gooseneck drop into the luff track. Once you cleat your downhaul, release your main sheet.

The piece that howard describes is available from Murrays Sports

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1985 Prindle 16

Here is the part of which Howard writes at Mariner Sails as well.

http://www.mariner-sails.com/PartDetail.asp?id=23404

Not sure if this will solve what you describe........

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

ET,

Thanks...I already have that part installed on my goosneck. I think it is just my inexperience that is the problem. I will rig the downhaul through the center of the cleat and back up through the downhaul ring...I was not doing that before so I was having trouble getting the goosneck down.

Learning something new everytime I take it out!

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~Tom in CT
81' H-16

My gooseneck has a small Harken block hanging from it. I also run my downhaul through the center of the cleat back up through the small block. I crank on it pretty hard while getting the gooseneck lined up in the track. I think the new thing is a 6:1 downhaul system. http://www.mariner-sails.com/PartDetail.asp?id=23550 This lets you really crank on it with much less effort. At this time I just can't justify the expense since I don't race.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

I rigged the downhaul as Howard suggested and had no problem getting it set correctly...even got to fly a hull today!

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~Tom in CT
81' H-16

I'm jealous. It is so hot here lately that I haven't been able to go sailing. Glad that the downhaul worked right.

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Howard