We just added a new loose footed main to out 1991 37.5 Legend. The old main was not loose footed. Both sails have the Dutchman flaking system. With some work, we were able to tune the Dutchman with the old sail. After several attempts, we just cannot seem to get the Dutchman to work properly with the new sail. The Dutchman lines are either too loose, too tight, or it seems like the curve in the sail seems to pull slack out of the pockets again making the Dutchman lines too loose. Part of our problem could be the need to tighten the outhaul prior to dropping the main. Are there other tips anyone has learned for using a Dutchman on a loose footed main?
Loose Footed Main - Dutchman
- Thread starter Steve Carpman11081
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Not uncommon setup.
Steve: I sailed on a SC52 that had the same basic setup that you have (loose footed main). I think that you may have something wrong with the attachment point at the pockets. On my Dutchman (H'31) there is some material that the line feeds through. This is then clamped into the pocket with two nylon disks that have screws with ny-loc nuts. You should be able to get these tight enough to prevent the monofiliment from slipping.
Steve: I sailed on a SC52 that had the same basic setup that you have (loose footed main). I think that you may have something wrong with the attachment point at the pockets. On my Dutchman (H'31) there is some material that the line feeds through. This is then clamped into the pocket with two nylon disks that have screws with ny-loc nuts. You should be able to get these tight enough to prevent the monofiliment from slipping.
Same set up
I just replaced my main with a Doyle loose footed main and Dutchman system. Check to see if your first fold is falling away from the pockets. This allows the pocket to lay on top of the boom, and the weight of the first couple of folds holds it in the right position to keep the control lines taught. If the first fold goes with the pockets, the line will be forced off and to one side of the boom and the entry points through the sail will be misaligned. This will put greater tension on the control lines, as you describe. Also, raise the main, and make sure the clamps on the topping lift are well above the first point in the sail. Mine has worked perfectly since day one. It does take a little while for the sail to "memorize" its furled position. Don't ever let it "begin" furling in the wrong direction. Haven't paid much attention to tightening the outhaul. I adjust it frequently, but usually forget to tighten it prior to dropping the sail, and haven't noticed any problems.... I also found the Dutchman folks to be very helpful; don't hesitate to contact them....
I just replaced my main with a Doyle loose footed main and Dutchman system. Check to see if your first fold is falling away from the pockets. This allows the pocket to lay on top of the boom, and the weight of the first couple of folds holds it in the right position to keep the control lines taught. If the first fold goes with the pockets, the line will be forced off and to one side of the boom and the entry points through the sail will be misaligned. This will put greater tension on the control lines, as you describe. Also, raise the main, and make sure the clamps on the topping lift are well above the first point in the sail. Mine has worked perfectly since day one. It does take a little while for the sail to "memorize" its furled position. Don't ever let it "begin" furling in the wrong direction. Haven't paid much attention to tightening the outhaul. I adjust it frequently, but usually forget to tighten it prior to dropping the sail, and haven't noticed any problems.... I also found the Dutchman folks to be very helpful; don't hesitate to contact them....
Question for Dean
Could you tell me what you mean by the clamps on the topping lift being above the first point on the sail? What is the first point on the sail? It this the top-most fairlead for the Dutchman control lines?
Could you tell me what you mean by the clamps on the topping lift being above the first point on the sail? What is the first point on the sail? It this the top-most fairlead for the Dutchman control lines?
Attachment points on topping lift.
Steve: There are usually two or three plastic blocks that clamp together over the topping lift. The line is either a single line or a continous line. These block are how the Dutchman Lines attach to the topping lift. When they are unscrewed, they become two halfs. You then lay the line inside the block and screw them together.
Steve: There are usually two or three plastic blocks that clamp together over the topping lift. The line is either a single line or a continous line. These block are how the Dutchman Lines attach to the topping lift. When they are unscrewed, they become two halfs. You then lay the line inside the block and screw them together.
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