The knot you need to use, as mentioned before "as small as possible", is a buntline hitch. Randy Smyth's website (smythteam.com) has a picture and how-to-tie. The less bulky side of the knot is the side to put against the mast. The more bulky side faces away from the mast. Before raising your main make sure it's going up the mast in that orientation.

Replace the stock sheaves with brass ones. You can find some cheap brass pulleys in a hardware store, surplus store, etc. that are a similar size and will accomodate the diameter of your halyard. Hacksaw the sheaves to free them from the brass pulley and use those. Nylon sheaves will wear through and you end up pulling the halyard across the pin.

To save the skin on your hands you need a hand cleat that will give you a good grip on the halyard: http://www.windance.com/default.asp?windance~shownewitem~CH_184 (In June, I lost one in the sound behind Tristan Tower at Pensacola Beach if you want to go looking for it.)

Sailkote to the bolt rope and sail track needs to be applied two or three times per season.