I have an ‘85 Hunter 23 and this is the first year I’ve had her in the water. I had the mast stepped and got the jib attached, but have my doubts about the mail...any help?
Help me with mainsail please!
- Thread starter Bubbadog
- Start date
All I have now is a sail and empty boom and mast. I have some ideas so gonna try to do what I think is right, then I will have specific questions and photos. Thanks for replying so soon.
Mast will have either a sorta T shape track screwed into the aft side or a slot on the aft side. The main sail will have either a "Bolt rope", slugs or slides that fit over the T track. Knowing which would be the first step to me. Then figure out how the boom attaches to the mast - "The Gooseneck." You do have a halyard on the aft side of the mast to haul the sail up with -right? Be careful to not pull the tail of the halyard into the mast. If you lose the tail it's a job to re-reeve it. I know because I've done it. If the boom has a slot on the upper side the foot of the mainsail should have a bolt rope (Or Slugs) which fit into the boom. You normally do that prior to the hoist. The end of the boom should have a fitting, or even an adjustable fitting to receive the cringle on the clew of the mainsail. Mainsheet attached to a fitting on the under side of the boom. Normally there is a several part tackle with attachments for the boom and hull. There's a bit of variability to the system - in part to suit the owners taste. i.e. the cam could be low so that you can use your legs to release it. But then you would probably have to use your foot to put the mainsheet in it. Of is it's high you can use your body weight to release it but would need to pull up on the mainsheet to set it. You can put the cam almost anywhere through the use of a pennant. But just set it the way it is and sail it to see how you like it. It's pretty simple if the hardware is complete.
Welcome aboard.
I recommend the following:
Lay out your main in a dry clean space and inspect the corners and luff.
Along the luff (leading edge of a sail) you will find slugs or sliders (or a bolt rope) that respectively: fit into a slot or over a track that runs up the aft side of the mast. If you have slugs, you will also need a mast gate that keeps them from falling out when the sail is doused. Carefully inspect the stitching/attachment of these slugs and the condition of the slugs.
As for the foot (bottom edge) some mains have bolt ropes that feed into a slot along the top of the boom and others have a loose footed foot which uses a large slug near the clew which slides in the groove on the top of your boom.
Bending the main:
1. The Clew is tied/shackled to an out-haul which adjusts the tension of the foot at the aft end of the boom.
2. The Tack is usually secured through some means (shackle, bolt, clevis pin) at the gooseneck (where boom attaches to mast).
3. Luff is attached to the mast. Install mast gate to keep slugs in track.
4. Halyard is attached to the head of the sail.
5. RIg your sheets and go sailing.
If you have slugs, I recommend lubricating (use a spray dry lube) in the groove on the mast. I use a little rag tied onto a spare slug which I attach to the halyard (with a retrieval line also secured!).
I recommend the following:
Lay out your main in a dry clean space and inspect the corners and luff.
Along the luff (leading edge of a sail) you will find slugs or sliders (or a bolt rope) that respectively: fit into a slot or over a track that runs up the aft side of the mast. If you have slugs, you will also need a mast gate that keeps them from falling out when the sail is doused. Carefully inspect the stitching/attachment of these slugs and the condition of the slugs.
As for the foot (bottom edge) some mains have bolt ropes that feed into a slot along the top of the boom and others have a loose footed foot which uses a large slug near the clew which slides in the groove on the top of your boom.
Bending the main:
1. The Clew is tied/shackled to an out-haul which adjusts the tension of the foot at the aft end of the boom.
2. The Tack is usually secured through some means (shackle, bolt, clevis pin) at the gooseneck (where boom attaches to mast).
3. Luff is attached to the mast. Install mast gate to keep slugs in track.
4. Halyard is attached to the head of the sail.
5. RIg your sheets and go sailing.
If you have slugs, I recommend lubricating (use a spray dry lube) in the groove on the mast. I use a little rag tied onto a spare slug which I attach to the halyard (with a retrieval line also secured!).
I would highly recommend a great little book called Royce's Sailing Illustrated, a fun yet very comprehensive book filled with important information for the novice sailor or experienced professional. No massive preachy tome this, just a well put together book with everything from rigging, docking and even splicing. I've been using it to teach sailing for over 45 years, and still refer to it now and then, myself.
Ok folks...thanks a big gob for all the help and suggestions. Just got home from the marina and this is what was accomplished...main is secured to the boom w bolt rope foot...clew is attached to the outhaul...slugs are up the mast...and halyard is attached...see photo
Attachments
The next big news pertains to the last item out of the sail bag...see attached photo...would appear to be the main sheet ,no?
Attachments
Along with Capta's recommendation I will mention Sailing for Dummies.
Although I have never read it, Sailing for Dummies was what Alex Rust started out with.
Sailing For Dummies: Isler, J. J., Isler, Peter: 8601300291703: Amazon.com: Books
Sailing For Dummies [Isler, J. J., Isler, Peter] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Sailing For Dummies
www.amazon.com
Although I have never read it, Sailing for Dummies was what Alex Rust started out with.
I hope you turn the boat right side up before you try sailing her.
Oh, but a hitch is such a useful knot.
How did you tie the fenders to the grabrail or shroud?
gary
How did you tie the fenders to the grabrail or shroud?
gary
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Nothin wrong w the tiller...had to change course a couple of times...as far as the hitch, I do creative knot tying...lol
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,435
Your avatar says your in MD, but from you boat photo thought you must be in Australia. Mainsail would likely run up the mast easier in that orientation.
Good for you and your boat surviving your first Sail together. More fun to come.
Good for you and your boat surviving your first Sail together. More fun to come.