tgrahmann wrote:
My mainsail tack looks very similar to yours and is the older style. When I first started sailing my Hobie (84 original sails ) I had a similar difficulty. Eventually I figured out that if i unpin the boom from the tack, it would lessen the tension just enough to where I could hook the slug in the mast fork. Then I'd re-pin the tack, insert the boom into the mast and downhaul the mainsail as normal.
For some time now, I haven't had that problem. I can only assume that frequent use has stretched the old bolt rope enough to where there isn't quite the same tension and binding in the luff track.
Unpin the tack and try lifting and seating the mainsail slug, if that doesn't work, try removing the boom entirely to lessen the weight and binding on the luff track.
Some final notes.
1. I couldn't tell from the pictures, but make sure you raise the mainsail BEFORE the jib. tensioning the jib adds a lot more difficulty to raising the mainsail. (And gets in the way)
2. Also super obvious, but make sure you don't have the downhaul hooked on anything and consider removing the boom slide from the luff track. Get the mainsail slug seated, then insert the slide after.
I didn't know about the jib; thanks. We have been raising that first following some youtube advice. Won't do that anymore. Will investigate unpinning the tack for fit purposes.