Loose Footed Main on a 1978 H-27

[Howard]

I have an older main on my old H-27. The main attaches to the boom by a bolt rope. This past week I was sailing on a boat with a loose footed main. The difference in sail shape was something. Anyone know if I can use my main as a loose footed sail by just not putting the bolt rope into the boom and using the tack and the outhaul points to keep the shape?

 

[David11054]

It would probably work

That is, it would certainly work with one issue I can think of: A loose footed main is actually extended down beyond the top of the boom. This is to minimize leakage of air at the bottom of the sail, and the associated reduction in efficiency. But the efficiency loss is probably slight, so it is your choice.A properly cut main with a bolt rope on the bottom should have a "shelf" in it. This allows the bottom of the sail to belly out if you loosen the clew outhaul - the same as a loose-footed main. You might give it a try, although the clew outhaul may need some encouraging if you slack the line.Finally, good sail shape is very a much a function of sail age - it was hard to get any good shape with the 23 year old main on Lady Lillie when we bought her.DavidLady Lillie

 

[John12048]

Think about it?

The bolt rope at the foot of the main also spreads the load across the entire boom. Without it the load is focused on two points with mainsheet attachment on the boom acting as a fulcrum. Unless you are willing to bet that your boom will hold up to whatever load occurs( i.e., a puff or gybe), I would not chance it. The question is; do you feel lucky?

 

[Dean Strong]

Load Points

Significant studies have been made to show that the bolt rope does not spread the load along the boom. Maximum load is still where the sheet attaches to the boom, whether you have a loose footed main or not. Check the archives for many discussions. Loose footed is the way to go.