Boom Angle w/Mainsail

[Caleb K.]

Sailed my 1986 H23 for the first time this weekend. Can't seem to raise the mainsail high enough (tack is pinned to boom/mast connection and luff is tight) to eliminate the downward angle of the boom into the cockpit. However, the mast/halyard appears to have 10" of travel yet to raise. I'm expecting a boom that is parallel to the cockpit floor. Help!

 

[Greg (Ex-Hunter owner)]

Not so....

Caleb,The boom is supposed to do that. Back in the 80's it was a cool way to add a little extra sail area. You can have I doubt you'll ever get rid of it with the halyard but you can have your main re-cut.GregX-23 owner

 

[Caleb K.]

Thanks Greg

Thanks for sharing experience, Greg. I called my sailmaker. $100 to re-cut the main. It's worth the investment as a cruising boat - the boom is annoying that low. I suppose if I raced I would want to keep the max sail area.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Caleb, Our H26 main is the same. Try...

raising the main, after tightening the outhaul, with the topping lift still set and winch the luff tight. Then loosen the topping lift. If the lift is released before the halyard is tight, or the boom too low the roach is so tight the luff can't fully raise. Our boom also sets lower than level but when sailing in fair wind it raises and is no problem as far as cockpit heigth. I would suggest not cutting your sail until at least using it one season. Sail area is speed.It took us a couple of weekends to figure out how to fully raise and tighten our main as we were totally new to sailing. Good luck.Rays/v Speedy

 

[mike]

common complaint

Low boom is a common problem with the H23. I've considered a recut but don't wanna sacrifice sail area. Most of the time the boom is out of the way but the jibes can be wicked. I'm still considering a recut. Was told by UK Sailmakers that a recut would include loose footing the main which would improve sail shape. Might be a good trade off. I'm still debating after sailing and loving the boat for 3 years.

 

[David R. King]

Boom Angle

I had the same problem with my h26. There is a sailmaker here in PV (North Sails, Mexico) who I consider an excellent source of technical information. He advised me to cut the foot a bit. He did. He also advised a loose footed mail. Both were good modifications. The boom doesn't drag on the bimini, I notice no lessening of boat speed, and reefing is easier.David King

 

[Caleb K.]

Re-cut Complete

Thanks for all input. Completed the recut on the main - very satisfied.