This has happened to me a few times. I'm going to have to remember what the problem was and get back to you. All I remember right now was that something in the rigging went cockeyed while it was slack.

:: I have put some postings already about this but a
:: picture speaks a 1000 words! We were taking down the
:: masts this past weekend so I snapped some shots to help
:: show where I believe my problems are.
::
:: When I try tuning to the numbers on the website, right
:: now the mast bends forward. The closer I try to get to
:: the numbers, the worst it rakes forward.
::
:: As I tighten the aft lowers, it pulls the mast back at
:: the lower spreaders. As you can see in the pictures,
:: when I tune the rig this way the mast hooks towards the
:: bow badly.
::
:: I believe with no tension on the lower afts the mast
:: should bend / rake towards the stern of the boat. As the
:: lower are introduced, it helps straighten the bottom of
:: the mast so the backstay is more effective.
::
:: When the mast was off the boat, I discovered that the
:: bottom plate has sunk about 3/16". My guess is that this
:: would put the mast leaning towards the stern and as the
:: shrouds are tightened it would the mast forward??
:: Thoughts or does it really make a difference?
::
:: The link for the pics is
:: http://express27.org/photos/?gallery=119 . Also, if
:: anyone looks at the deck, any suggestions / improvements
:: are welcome!