Hi Bob...
If you send me photos of the issues you are talking about...
..I'll look through them and help you figure it out.
Especially the mast ball...and the position of the stays up/on the mast...
...and where they hook to the boat.
Also pics of the head (top) and foot (bottom) of the jib including a few feet
of the leading edge (Luff) of the jib.
As for black...I'd 'steer' clear of that IIWY.
Florida heat/black paint...not a good mix...
...and high gloss will last about a day!
Matt finish for underside is better...as it can be wet & dry sanded
for "smoothness" (= speed!) ...and for cleaning.
Jo