Thanks to all those who gave advice on sail lofts. Now that I've narrowed the lofts, the question is whether to go with a loose-fitted main, or the standard (rope slide). My Oday 25 was not originally outfitted with a loose-fitted sail, but a few of the lofts I have checked out are pushing customers in this direction because of the better sail shape and control. Any ideas?
Loose-footed main?
- Thread starter Lang Smith
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Definitely loose footed .......
... just be sure to consider to add a stainless steel long 'clew slug' thats encapsulated with Teflon/PTFE - will aid in adjusting the outhaul because of the 'frictionless' nature. A loose footed mainsail is much more easily 'flattened' by outhaul tension than the old style 'shelf footed' mains. If you can easily adjust the outhaul, you WILL do so. You will be able to have the sail raised in higher wind ranges due to the ability to flatten; ditto more power downwind because its also easier to induce more draft.
... just be sure to consider to add a stainless steel long 'clew slug' thats encapsulated with Teflon/PTFE - will aid in adjusting the outhaul because of the 'frictionless' nature. A loose footed mainsail is much more easily 'flattened' by outhaul tension than the old style 'shelf footed' mains. If you can easily adjust the outhaul, you WILL do so. You will be able to have the sail raised in higher wind ranges due to the ability to flatten; ditto more power downwind because its also easier to induce more draft.
This is very well covered in archives
Type in "loose footed main" and you will find loads of past information on this very subject. I think we kick this topic around a couple of times a year. Lots of excellent postings to be read. Enjoy,
Type in "loose footed main" and you will find loads of past information on this very subject. I think we kick this topic around a couple of times a year. Lots of excellent postings to be read. Enjoy,
Lang, Loose foot is the way to go.
I converted my 25 to a loose foot. You get much better sail shape control. I did find that my old outhaul was not traveling free enough to adjust the foot off the wind, especially in light air. I took a small main traveler car and a short piece of track and mounted it to the top aft-end of the boom. I added 6:1 purchase inside the boom with harken mini-blocks to pull the car aft and I added a bungee to the front of the car which maintains forward tension on the car at all times. The clew of the sail attaches to the car. This is a slick set up and allows me to take full advantage of the loose foot. Ted
I converted my 25 to a loose foot. You get much better sail shape control. I did find that my old outhaul was not traveling free enough to adjust the foot off the wind, especially in light air. I took a small main traveler car and a short piece of track and mounted it to the top aft-end of the boom. I added 6:1 purchase inside the boom with harken mini-blocks to pull the car aft and I added a bungee to the front of the car which maintains forward tension on the car at all times. The clew of the sail attaches to the car. This is a slick set up and allows me to take full advantage of the loose foot. Ted
Love mine
I bought a boat with in-mast furling so you can only have a loose footed main. It was new to me but you catch on quickly. The infinite sail shapes you can get are a blast. Not all help but it sure is fun to play with to try and get the "perfect" shape depending on wind conditions and point of sail.
I bought a boat with in-mast furling so you can only have a loose footed main. It was new to me but you catch on quickly. The infinite sail shapes you can get are a blast. Not all help but it sure is fun to play with to try and get the "perfect" shape depending on wind conditions and point of sail.
Why not?
Our new North mainsail for a Starwind 27 has a loose foot. It was recommended by the sailmaker and I have yet to hear anyone recommend otherwise.
Our new North mainsail for a Starwind 27 has a loose foot. It was recommended by the sailmaker and I have yet to hear anyone recommend otherwise.
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