Loose Luff, How Come?

[montenido]

Hi all,

I have had my C36 for a bit over a year. For the last few months, I have noticed that when I raise the main, it still remains a bit soft in the luff. The foot and Leech are both taut.
A few days ago I raised it at the dock using a bowline instead of the shackle, thinking that the splice on the main halyard was somehow not able to make it over the mast-top sheeve. It did seem that I could get the luff tighter that way.
When I sailed yesterday, the luff was once again loose. I don't want to put too much pressure on the halyard, especially if there is a reason for the sail not going all the way up the mast. BTW, the sail only needs to go another 4-6 inches, and there is room on the mast.
My sail is a North Sails loose-footed main with full battens. It is fairly new (3-4 years) and was installed by the previous owner.
Any suggestions on what to try or check? I have used my binos to inspect the mast and sail from the deck, and was unable to find anything obvious. Guess I may be making a trip up the mast if I can't get this issue solved.

Thanks in advance, Bill

[blt2ski]

A couple of things...

One, yes you may need to tighten up the halyard more than you are.

two, the luff could be stretched, tightening the halyard may not work, but a cunning ham if you have the grommet to pull down the luff might help.

or, have the sail recut if the cloth is still good,

or it is time for a new sail.

Marty

[CaptainForce]

Unlikley to be overlooked, but what is your downhaul status?

[Maine Sail]

You've solved your own problem and never knew, "the leech is tight"...... Yup loosen the main sheet, vang and outhaul then try.. Your halyard splice may also be jamming in the sheave box but if your leech is tight you'll not get full hoist..

[puddinlegs]

Make sure the sheet, vang, and cunningham are all uncleated when you hoist. Oops, what he sed above!

[montenido]

Thanks everybody. The outhaul, of course! I don't generally play with the outhaul, but I know it is very tight. I do know it's function however, and will start to utilize it regularly. I'm sure that this is the problem.

Thanks again, Bill

[CaptainForce]

I think Maine sail's right on with deducing that it was the mainsheet,- Colonel Mustard with the wrench in the living room! 'far more likely than the outhaul.