Loose footed main

[flynhi4u]

In the process of ordering new sails and they default to a loose footed main. Will I see much of a difference if I go with that instead of the bolt rope in the boom? I would greatly enjoy not having to feed the bolt rope into the slot so they already have me sold on the loose footed main for that reason alone.

Sam in IN, Christmas shopping for the boat ;-)

 

[centerline]

some say a loose footed main can give better performance...

and if you strip the sail from the boat all the time, it is a bit quicker.

but rather than the bolt rope in the track, ours is held in the track with slugs, just like at the luff... they are nearly as quick.

the down side of a loose footed main can be that when lowering the sail, it may take a slightly different technique to flake the sail on the boom, especially with one person doing it, as it may wan to fall off the side easier... until you get the ties/gaskets on it.

a footed main can be converted to a loose footed main, or you can also just unfoot the main from the boom and try it that way... and if you like the performance and the way it handles, have the foot cut off and then sew a tabling into it (hemmed)....

 

[Cambo]

We switched to a loose fitted, full batten main this season and I really like it.

The biggest plus for me is the ease of adjusting sail shape with the out haul. Of course you can do this with a regular main, but you can really see the sail shape nicely with the loose footed and do fine tweaks.

As for flaking, I have noticed no major difficulties although the full battens and lazy jacks do help.

 

[Sailorjohnca]

Got a new loose footed main for my 26.5 and really like the shape and flexibility in all winds. Just a simple Dacron from North sails, was a good price too.