loosen every thing 1st,downhaul,main sheet,etc,head boat into the wind,easier on the mooring than the dock.pull the gaff up 4 pulls 1st,than the 2 halyards toghther.make sure the boom is not binding in the mast track.you may have to step into the cabin to push up on the boom to free it.pulling sharply works better than slow and steady.whats frustrating is that one day it goes right up,next day it gets hung up useing the same procedure,thats why a boomkicker crossed my mind.