Loose footed main with Stack Pack vs non-loose footed main

[smokey73]

1994 Hunter 40.5
I am going to need to replace my main pretty soon and I think I'd like to go to a loose footed main but I'd like to retain the concept of a "Stack Pack" kind of sail retainer/cover" Does anyone have this type of setup and what do you think of it's performance?

1. If you had a non-loose footed main before does the loose footed perform better or not as well.
2 What sail loft did you use and/or what is the brand of sails
3. How well did the sail loft meet your expectations and resolve any fit issues?
4. What is the setup and how to you secure the stack pack when the sail is down.

Pictures would be great.

 

[kappykaplan]

Smokey, I went to a loose-footed main when I replaced it several years ago. It works just fine with the stack pack. Got both from Quantum.
1. If you had a non-loose footed main before does the loose footed perform better or not as well. ==> I don't notice any difference.
2 What sail loft did you use and/or what is the brand of sails ==> Quantum
3. How well did the sail loft meet your expectations and resolve any fit issues? ==> They did a great job, including bending on the new main and stack pack
4. What is the setup and how to you secure the stack pack when the sail is down. ==> The stack pack is integrated with lazy jacks.

 

[FastOlson]

1. If you had a non-loose footed main before does the loose footed perform better or not as well.
2 What sail loft did you use and/or what is the brand of sails
3. How well did the sail loft meet your expectations and resolve any fit issues?
4. What is the setup and how to you secure the stack pack when the sail is down.

1. Works just the same. Remember that loose footed mains are not "new fangled" anymore, having been around for many decades.
2. We used to have a UK main when we added their "Lazy Cradle" brand of split cover. Changed to a North Sails main a few years ago, and it still works just as well.
3. No 'fit' issues to remediate. I gave UK all of their requested measurements - quite a number of points along the flaked sail - and the cradle/cover fit perfectly.
4. Lowering the main into the covers with the incorporated lazy jack system is quick and easy. As others note, the lazy jacks are integrated into the cover halves. You will get used to holding the zipper "halves" together as you use the light line to pull the large zipper pull up the flaked sail to the mast.
**Note that you should never try to use brute strength to get the zipper to "force" the halves together but rather hold them together and then easily pull the zipper forward the secure them. Works well.
You will still have to stand on the cabin top to manipulate the zipper, but I like that better than flaking a large main, from a slippery pile of sail on the cabin top, by myself.

Compared to having to deal with the size and bulk of a sail cover, it's a pretty good system. That said, even with the cover halves rolled up and secured when under sail, it's never gonna look as "photogenic" as the main would look with no canvas along the boom. All these solutions involve some compromise, but I do like lowering our large main and Not having it spill all over.

You did not ask, but for periods when not using the boat --like now, we do store the lazy jacks against each side of the mast, and plop our older sail cover over the whole thing to totally keep it dry and prevent possible winter storm damage to the $$ Lazy Cradle. That newer (and fast) composite main feels loved and appreciated, awaiting a return to duty next month...!

 

[kappykaplan]

**Note that you should never try to use brute strength to get the zipper to "force" the halves together but rather hold them together and then easily pull the zipper forward the secure them. Works well.

 

[jssailem]

Hi Smokie... Here are my 2 cents.

1. If you had a non-loose footed main before does the loose footed perform better or not as well.
   1. I think my performance is better. I can do more to trim the main than before, and you can better shape the sail. It is not going to be Knots improvements, but when cruising, I can get the sail to be more efficient, which helps to keep the boat flatter.
2. What sail loft did you use and/or what is the brand of sails
   1. I used North Sail. Very pleased with their sail construction and service. They are reasonably priced and have many options for anyone's sailing design desires.
3. How well did the sail loft meet your expectations and resolve any fit issues?
   1. The main had no fit issues. The manager raised the sail and inspected it for fit. We discussed trim and how to install/remove the battens. The service was great.
4. What is the setup and how to you secure the stack pack when the sail is down.
   1. I have LazyJacks; the loose foot is no problem.
   2. To address your problem, I worked with a friend on the dock who has a new Catalina 355. It came with Doyle sails and a Doyle stackpack. He is changing the sail to footless. The slugs pulled out of the foot track. Doyle said they would resolve the issue under warranty. He asked how the pack would work because the pack he had was using the sail track. They told him they would upgrade the pack to handle the loose foot. They said the design was not working and changed their pack design. This should be something you discuss with whomever will provide your sail.

 

[garymalmgren]

Gary doesn't like zippers.
RE: **Note that you should never try to use brute strength to get the zipper to "force" the halves together but rather hold them together and then easily pull the zipper forward the secure them. Works well.

Yeah. Works well until.......
A fold over flap with fasteners, velro or (my favorite) toggles will not let you down.

gary