[Rhodes22-list] What Controls The Position Of The Boom On Older Standard Rig Boats?

[Christine Allison]

Sufficient luff tension should be achieved before the boom gooseneck reaches
its lower mechanical stop against the lower hair pin clip.  If the boom
gooseneck reaches the lower mechanical stop before the luff has sufficient
tension, then the main halyard was not sufficiently tensioned before being
cleated off or the mainsail is worn out. >

You can tell when you have sufficient tension because a vertical "wrinkle"
or crimp will appear in the sail near the mast track and parallel with the
mast.  This will disappear when the sail is drawing.  Most sails have
stretchy bolt ropes and the halyard will also stretch.  You will have to
retension the sail in about 20 to 30 minutes.  Then everything will be
relatively stable.

Richard Smith