Hunter H31, Operator'S Manual

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Hunter 31 • Sails and Rigging
12.4
total slack in the sheet. The sheet that is not being used
— the lazy sheet — should also be attached to the clew
of the spinnaker , led forward
in front of the headstay ,
and then back on the other side of the boat — outside
the shrouds and lifelines — to another turning block
positioned just forward of the stern pulpit. Then take that
sheet and lead it to a winch, with the slack in the sheet.
Now you are ready to hoist the spinnaker. Start by
heading off to a square run. Leave the mainsail fully
out during the hoisting procedure as it will blanket
the spinnaker and keep it from filling until you are
ready for it to be set. A good place to raise the sail
is from the leeward side, just ahead of the boom.
Once it is fully hoisted, slowly head up to your desired
course and pull in the sheet until the sail sets. Make
sure you have at least two turns of the sheet around the
winch.
Now you are off and sailing with your cruising spinnaker.
12.9 The Arch
As is customary on Hunters, the traveler is overhead, on
a stainless-steel arch, to keep the cockpit clear of the
obstruction and the boom clear of your head. The helms-
man can easily adjust the mainsheet traveler and the jib
sheets, although the mainsheet itself is at the companion-
way as illustrated above. The setup allows short handed
sailing when there are only a couple of people in the
cockpit or with an autopilot doing the steering.
For instructions on folding the arch for transport or ser-
vice please follow the following instructions:
Arch installation notes and tool list:
Notes: Read all of the installation instructions before begin-
ning.
This job requires two people, it is important that the
arch be supported until firmly attached to the deck.
To avoid injury during the installation process, orient
the arch prior to beginning the installation.
Remember to check all arch nuts bolts after the initial
seatrial and tighten as necessary.
Tool List for arch installation:
Drill and 3/8” drill bit, to clear sealant from holes.
3/8” drive ratchet
6” extension
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9/16” deep and regular socket.
9/16” wrench
Phillips head screwdriver (large: P4)
Caulk gun, and sealant (3M-5200)
‘Never Seize” bolt lube
Razor knife
wire strippers / crimps
rags, and acetone, or lacquer thinner for clean-up.
12.10 Protecting Your Rigging
Without careful inspection and proper maintenance, the
rigging is subject to fatigue, wear, discoloration, and
therefore, product failure. Remember: regular inspection
and cleaning will increase the life of your investment and
secure your rigging. We suggest the following:
Always rinse your rigging with fresh water after sail-
ing, especially salt-water sailing. Salt can create corro-
sion pits, causing cracks and deterioration.
Clean with a water-soluble chlorine-free detergent.
Nonabrasive cleansers are best for hard white vinyl
coated cables.
Inspect rigging for stains. Rust stains may indicate
stress cracks or corrosion. Remove stains with synthetic
or brass pads. Never use steel wool pads.
Look for broken wires- a sign of fatigue in rigging.
Replace standing rigging if wires are broken.
Never mix stainless steel and galvanized metals on
cable, fittings, pins, cotter keys, etc. If mixing dissimilar
metals, electric currents may conduct between metal
causing rapid deterioration
Store rigging in a dry place. Never store in a plastic
bag, which can cause corrosion.
12.10.1 Sail Care
Sunlight is a sail’s worst enemy, so cover the mainsail
when not in use. An ultraviolet guard, fitted down the
leech of a roller headsail will protect the exposed part
from the weathering effect of the sun and from dirt and
grit. Mildew, can be prevented by storing sails dry and by
hand washing twice a season. Check all sails regularly
for chafe, particularly where they chafe on deck fittings
or rigging, at reef points, batten sleeves and the foot of
the headsail. Sail batten pockets should be inspected on
a regular basis.
To stow the mainsail, start at the leech and flake it onto
the boom, left and right, in about 18-in. (46 cm) folds,
while pulling the leech aft. Secure with a sail tie and con-
tinue to the luff. Lash to the boom with sail ties or shock
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