Ahoy,Jimq Yes, better to snap a rope than a boom or a mast or you might even flip oh no! But relly now have you tryed it or are ya just yanking our sheets? Hey I know where you can get a hydrulic winch that ought to do the job. Let me make you a little bet, go to the local harware store buy a couple of galvanized blocks and some 1/2 inch sisal rope. If it breaks let me know. I send you a book with the technical info you need. Big Red 56