Where is the number and how big? If it's in large letters on the main, high up by the M, then it likely was intended to be your boat number. You should be able to confirm if it's your boat number by looking for the boat ID numbers, which are molded in to the transom. Find the ID number and you can verify the model, age and boat number. Which M boat is it BTW? If that 114 is on the sail bag of a headsail, it could mean it's the size of the jib (as in a 110, 155, etc.) but 114 would be an odd size to use for a jib. The main can also be difficult to raise and lower depending on how the slugs are attached. My original main came with slugs, which were fastened to the luff grommets using clevis pins and plastic covers over the luff bolt. They stayed in good alignment and that sail would shoot up and down the mast slot with ease. New sail used similar slugs, but that sailmaker tied the slugs through the grommets using leech line. Those would get out of alignment and bind something fierce. I still use them like that, but had to retie the lines to snug them up. They never have been as "slick" going up and down the mast as the originals. I would not go out on the water with a main that I could not get down easily. If it won't go up and down when it's calm, it certainly won't go down once the wind pipes up. I found that out the hard way. On Jun 29, 2012, at 10:35 PM, Ted Weidenbach wrote:
Quick question...
So first question. My sail says 114 on it, does that mean it is the 114th monty built? Also, does that mean it is the original sail? Finally, when I get new sails made can I have them put that number back on the sail without much added cost?
Last Question. I put the mast up for the first time and it is extremely hard to pull the main sail up the mast. I don't think I rigged anything wrong but damn, if it is like that all the time I am going to run into problems. I am going to lube it when I take it for the first sail tomorrow but I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction on pictures of the top of the mast and the main sail lines running through them in the appropriate manner. It is possible I am stupid and rigged it wrong at the top.
Tomorrow will be my first sail, any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks, Ted