These boats have a small main, the driver is the large jib. I've added a larger main sail which causes steering problems. If the main extends too far back it seems to control the direct of the boat.
Falling Boom
- Thread starter Plymouth Sailor
- Start date
Yep, and that would support the idea that this is not a sail designed for this boat.
I have two, one is very old and the other old, kids in college, must make due with what I have, tuition, rent etc. I should have been a doctor!
1. That main is way too small. Probably came off another boat.
2. If a larger main causes steering problems then it is probably cut wrong for the boat. i.e. too much roach.
3. A side pic with the main hoisted would help. Just need a pic from the the mast aft.
4. Really nice looking boat.
5. Tell the kids to get part-time jobs.
In the continuation of the famous quotes; Sherman Potter: "Horse hockey". I rather doubt that there's too many people here who would buy the premise that Hunter put an extra three feet of needless boom for fun. Nobody spends that kind of money in a production cycle when you're paying for extrusion by the foot.
All qualified if you go all the way back to the original post. If the boom is bonking you in the head, there's a reason. The main sail WILL hold the boom up, even in no wind, so if the main sail will not hold the boom up, there's something wrong with the sail.
Those were the high aspect ratio sail plans, popular back in the 70's and early 80's. In addition to sail size, the rig tuning and sail trim can affect steerage. Also an old blown out mainsail will cause the boat to heel excessively and may develop weather helm causing the boat to round up, or turn into the wind.
According to SailboatData.com the foot of the sail should be about 8 ft. http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=481 this is confirmed at Sailrite.com https://www.sailrite.com/Hunter-25-Sail-Data
Your least expensive option is probably rigging an adjustable topping lift. Keep an eye on Baconsails.com, they will broker used sails. Also search eBay you may find a better used one that is more in keeping with your budget.
I'd offer that most of the commentary here about topping lifts is based around a sail that fits. In that case, a topping lift will interfere with the sail 9 times out of 10. In this case there is no reason at all to think that the topping lift, if tied to the end of the boom will be anywhere even close to the sail based on the picture.
There is a boom lift that is like a rigid vang, but it uses two fiberglass poles and a small, canvas cradle under the boom to keep it out of the cockpit. We had them on our C-14 and our C-22, and we liked them. Catalina Direct sells them, and I cannot remember the name!
Yes. You would not be able to balance the helm. You would get a lot of Weather Helm. Or Lee Helm in the case of not enough main.
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