Boom Outhaul

[L. Wesson and A. Grove]

Hey Everyone,

Hoping someone can shed some light on one of the funkiest outhauls I’ve ever come across. This is on Prana, 1967, and bought her in September after she’d been laid up for 4 years in a barn. Never seen her rigged so still fleshing out how she’s set up. Google searched the image and came up with 1983 Yamaha rear strut and 1956 Buick speedometer which it really does actually kind of look like 😊. Anyway, I eventually figured out by pulling the black knob out and cranking it clockwise (very stiff) that it tensions the wire/car aft. How do I ease it? There is a bronze button/lever just forward of the outhaul thingamabob on the starboard side of the boom that I’m guessing acts as some kind of release? I’ve pushed down and in but can’t seem to get it to do anything. The car is about 10” forward of the end of the boom and maybe that’s the max allowance of easement? Pretty sure the cheek blocks are unrelated and are first and second reefing lines that run forward to the cleats on the boom almost at the gooseneck. Maybe all will become clear when mast gets unwrapped and stepped, but the outhaul has just been puzzling me. Might just need a good dousing of lubricant…. 🤷 my other sailboats have straightforward outhaul purchase systems on the side of the boom so this is totally new to me and any insight is much appreciated!