I bought a 1984 Hobie 18 last September and I can't seem to figure out how to easily lower the mainsail. Everytime I try to lower I end up with open blisters on my hands from heaving on the halyard. I try to raise the main halyard ring above the hook but even if I do I can't seem to get the mast to rotate and disengage. I often end up taking down the mainsail after I step down the mast. Other times I just won't hook the halyard ring and suffer with poor performance. I know there are downhaul kits but are there any mainsail raising kits to make this task easier? I was also thinking of cutting part of the mast hook so I don't have the raise the mainsail very much over it to disengage the ring and hook. Thank you all very much for your help.
Matt