May I suggest this for a solution.

Get the furler system for the jib. Much easier and very handy when you want to depower in a hurry.

For the main sail and boom I would do the following.

Near the end of your boom rivit a padeye on both sides of it about 3 inches in from the end.

When rigging the boat get the mainsail started in the track a few inches. Have the foot fully insterted into the boom. Don't tighten the downhaul. At the padeyes now on the end of your boom, tie a line about 12" long onto both of them forming a "handle". Use no more than 1/4" dia line. Attach the end of the main halyard to this handle with the shackle. Using the halyard, raise the end of the boom to the desired height and cleat.

Next, move the main traveler to the center and sheet in until the end of the boom doesn't swing side to side very much.

Now, flake the main sail onto the boom and fix with gaskets. Flaking is when you fold the sail onto itself in a zigzag pattern so when you raise it, it unfolds like an accordian.

All you have to do to finish raising the main when you are out of the canal is to undo the gaskets, move the main halyard end to the tack of the sail, loosen the main sheet, raise the sail, tighten the down haul, and unfurl the jib. You are now ready to sail in about 2 minutes. Reverse teh process for coming back in.


Nick

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'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
'74 Pearson 30
St. Louis, MO