Attaching mainsail to boom

[rick]

I recently replaced the mainsail on my O'Day Mariner. The previous mainsail had plastic pieces which slid into the slot on the topside of the boom; the replacement sail, which the previous owner had specially made for racing, has only one piece (on the end furthest from the mast). I can slide the bottom of the mainsail into the slot, but it will not stay inside. Is there anything I can attach to the mainsail (short of sewing) which will allow me to attach the sail to the boom?

 

[Steve Dion]

Where did you purchase the new sail?

Rick:Where did you purchase the new sail? Do you have the old sail/slugs? Just contact your sailmaker. They just used the wrong slugs. Easy to replace.

 

[mmsailor]

new main ?

Could it be that the new /replacement is a loosefooted sail ? not sure I understand your description entirely > good Luck Mike B

 

[Vic]

loose footed for sure ...

most of the new mains are loose footed ... you actually have to argue with sail makers if you really want the old fashion kind. which you don't.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Nothing wrong with that sail

Rick -Sounds like you have a lose footed main. These are becomeing popular among performance oreitned sailors, and have been common among hard core recers for some time. The mainsail I had built for my boat last summer can be used either lose footed or with the bolt rope in place. A normal sail is cut with a shelf in the bottom of it. This allows the sail to assume a foil shape even with the bottom of it held straight by the boom. Lose foot sails a cut without the shelf since they can fly away from the boom. That way you have more control of sail shape and a larger variety of shape to chose from.I'd go with it.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[rick]

Thanks to all for the information on loose-footed sails...have never seen one in action before...guess I will soon...first day I can get away from work early...rick