When I went out in my boat for the first time I noticed that the boom wasn't horizontal with the sail up. I have noticed pictures of other H23's with this same look and others with the boom level. When I got home I laid the sail out flat and found that the angle of the boom to the mast is greater than 90 degrees. The boom is 15 inches out of square at the rear to the mast. I was thinking of taking the sail to a sail loft and have it cut down to make the boom level,but thought I would post this first to see if anyone had the same problem. What do you think something like would cost?
Hunter 23 mainsail
- Thread starter RLW
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The boom on my Capri 22 is not level with the sail up and the sail sheeted in all the way either. The aft end actually comes pretty far down into the cockpit. Under sail, unless close hauled, the boom comes up and is more "level" as the sail fills and takes on a more efficient shape. I think you'll end up losing quite a bit of sail area and performance if you have it "trimmed" so it's level when sheeted in all the way.
Sails are not flat and you can adjust the angle for the boom with an adjustable topping lift (a line from the top of the mast to the end of the boom). It will also prevent the end of the boom from falling into the cockpit when lowering the main. By shortening the topping line you will pick up the end of the boom. Under certain sailining conditions you may want it level but at times you may want to flatten the sail that is why it should be adjustable. Larger boats may use a rigid vang to hold and adjust the boom but it seems you may benefit just as well for much less $$$ with a topping lift.
I owned a wing keel 1986 h23 for ten years. It is a great little sailboat but not as trailer friendly as the newer h23.5. The rig is designed so the boom extends lower than a right angle from the mast. Also the mast is normally racked back about 4” to 6”, just like many race boats. You have to watch your head when tacking or jibing.
Remember the topping lift is not a sail control line. It is used to hold up the boom when the mainsail is lowered.
Remember the topping lift is not a sail control line. It is used to hold up the boom when the mainsail is lowered.
The boom will have to be relatively level if you have a bimini top. To level it just have a pleat sewn in. Fold the leach up 7 1/2 " The pleat will be below the first reef point and is easy to do yourself if you have a zigzag machine. (you may have to hand stitch the leach) The amount of sail area lost will equal a triangle 15" x 120"/2 . Slit the leach fold and free up the leech line if there is one. My original sail had a pleat. Presumably when the previous owner installed the bimini.
To Jalepeno, How do you handle balancing the helm with the mast raked back??
My '89 h23 requires the mast full forward in the base plate to neutralize tiller pressure.
My '89 h23 requires the mast full forward in the base plate to neutralize tiller pressure.
Be certain that your main is "two blocked" or all the way up the mast. A few inches of mast height lost at the top will show up at the bottom with the boom looking droopy. Another point to double check is your outhaul tension. Good luck and post a photo.
I guess there are differences in rig between model years. Also the sail has a part in the equation. My first main was an older (blown out) sail and the center of pressure is farther back. When I bought the boat, the weather helm was excessive. I got a new main this year and now can sail comfortably on main alone. It made me grin from ear to ear.
Best regards....Rich
Best regards....Rich
I met a carpenter who bought an old sailboat to refurbish. He concluded if any line was square to another something was wrong. Sailboats are a result of evolution, attaining function before we ever understood the math involved.
On most boats (maybe all) the mast SHOULD be raked back. This will give the boat some weather helm. You fall out, the boat rounds up and stops. I think it's about 9" all told, for a 30' mast. Check it out though. Recreational chemistry in the '70s can leave you short on RAM.
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