Hi,
I've recently bought an older Merlin with a round hoop. Previous boats had various bridal set-ups ov various sorts but the hoop seems to be a step forward (OK it's not latest technology but much newer than my previous set-up!). First time out last week-end I was very impressed by how well the boat sailed, however one problem is getting the boom anywhere near the centre-line. It needs a lot of pull on the main-sheet (and I mean a lot!) to get it anywhere near ... then the big sheet tension puts a lot of load on the leech, which then is very hard. It's also difficult to play the main nice and smoothly..  Is this me, technique or the set-up? I can't afford a square hoop right now so is there an answer other than chucking out the hoop and going to a bridal system??

Is the top of the hoop too low? If it is there will be more downward force than sideways. See link below.

Miles

Hi Miles, Thanks! Hoop is about 12 inches below the boom but that's with minimal rake, I would guess you need that when you rake the mast right back so you don't go choc-a-block? One thing your diagram shows is that the mainsheet seems to have a 3:1 purchase, I think mine is 2:1 which may account for some of the problem?

Try pulley with becket on the top of hoop, sheet to boom around rear pulley, back around pulley on hoop, around forward pulley on boom, back though lead pulley under hoop and out through mainsheet jammer.