main - bolt rope tight

[LonArcvarden]

Tried out my older but never used Smyth sails yesterday. Had some trouble with the downhaul - initially couldn't get it pulled down below the entry slot on the mast. After it was under tension for a couple of hours, I was able to pull it down just below the slot. Should I expect it to behave more normally after a few more uses?

[MichaelSavan]

Easing a tight bolt rope usually comes down to working in some silicone spray and feeding it through the track a few inches at a time, then tensioning the downhaul slowly instead of one big pull. I’ve kept mine sliding smoother by swapping out old control lines for nicer replacements, and braid ropes have held up well for me in salt and sun.