David,

Sorry for my bad wording. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I meant the extent of downhaul measured at the mast/tack. You sort of answered the question anyway because you can only go to the black band. I suppose it would be good to know how much movement you get from the no downhaul position to the black band position.

As for running the downhaul inside the mast my personal preference is to run it on the outside and keep the mast sealed. I've seen a couple of instances where enthusiastic helpers have de-rigged a Mozzie and pulled the internal downhaul rope out of the mast resulting in removal and replacement of the mast base prior to the next race. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Looks like another thread is about to start regarding base mounted mast spanners. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How do you mount the spanner inside the mast ? Is it rigid or is it free to move vertically. ? Is it resting on the saddle in the image ? Where do you run the adjustment lines from the centre beam ? Do they run out to the sides or do you just use a swivel and cleat off the beam ? More images please.

Regards,

Peter