Re: Cape Dory 14 found me
Can you link the brail line to the aft end of the boom as a topping lift? Under certain conditions you might want to pull the sprit (if it isn't tied / fastened to the upper corner of the sail) and just row with the boom raised enough to clear your head. You can also raise the boom completely against the mast, depending on how it attaches (yes for most jaws, no for goosenecks).
Some photos might help. I take it the mast is lashed to the mast? If you change that to leaving it lashed to the boom, it becomes easier to remove completely while on the water.
"The enemies of reason have a certain blind look."
Doctor Jacquin to Lieutenant D'Hubert, in Ridley Scott's first major film _The Duellists_.