Recently, I ordered a main sail for my C 27 from a local sail maker. When I went to pick it up I was suprised to learn that he had constructed the sail so as to be lose footed attaching only at the tack and outhaul. Absent was the sewn in rope to slide into the boom track. He tried to convince me that lose footed is better. I'm suspicious that he is trying to get out of the additional work. Any comments (aside from the poor business practice of suprising the customer)?
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sloopercat
I have a loose footed main
Would not be without it. You can really let the main bag out going off/down wind. It gives you a lot more flexibility on sail adjustment, if you are into that sort of thing. But, he should have asked first.
Would not be without it. You can really let the main bag out going off/down wind. It gives you a lot more flexibility on sail adjustment, if you are into that sort of thing. But, he should have asked first.
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Trevor
Was talked into loose footed main...
...and am pleased with the results of my new loose-footed main from Doyle (ordered from SailboatOwners.com). The sailmaker should be able to sew in the foot line should you elect to opt for it, even after the sail is made. That's what Doyle offered if I wasn't happy. Personally, I like the added sail control of the loose footed main.
...and am pleased with the results of my new loose-footed main from Doyle (ordered from SailboatOwners.com). The sailmaker should be able to sew in the foot line should you elect to opt for it, even after the sail is made. That's what Doyle offered if I wasn't happy. Personally, I like the added sail control of the loose footed main.
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Jon W
All Good
We had a loose footed mainsail (Sobstad Genesis) on our last boat. As already stated, it allowed almost infinite adjustment of curve for lighter winds, and with a good outhaul, it would strap in as tight along the boom as a conventional sail for stronger winds. I have never been able to think of disadvantage to having a loose foot.
We had a loose footed mainsail (Sobstad Genesis) on our last boat. As already stated, it allowed almost infinite adjustment of curve for lighter winds, and with a good outhaul, it would strap in as tight along the boom as a conventional sail for stronger winds. I have never been able to think of disadvantage to having a loose foot.
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John V.
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sloopercat
Answer
The sail was not designed that way from a strength standpoint. Most loose foot mains have hang below the mast line for mas sail area. Don't think the cut of the sail is correct to just unhook it from the boom?
The sail was not designed that way from a strength standpoint. Most loose foot mains have hang below the mast line for mas sail area. Don't think the cut of the sail is correct to just unhook it from the boom?
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MJ
Better
as you will have more control over the sail shape and more potential for better performance.
as you will have more control over the sail shape and more potential for better performance.
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Ajax
Answer II
You also need a sail slug at the clew to attach the sail to the boom. But since the sail was not designed for that purpose, why do it?
You also need a sail slug at the clew to attach the sail to the boom. But since the sail was not designed for that purpose, why do it?
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John V.
I don't get it (Answer II)
Why would I need a sail slug? COuldn't I simply attach the clew to the outhaul car?
Why would I need a sail slug? COuldn't I simply attach the clew to the outhaul car?
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Ajax
Answer IIa
The outhaul is used to tension the foot of the sail. I don't think they are intended to withstand the same upward and lateral forces. know I would not depend on my outhaul. I have never seen an open footed sail without a slug at the clew.
The outhaul is used to tension the foot of the sail. I don't think they are intended to withstand the same upward and lateral forces. know I would not depend on my outhaul. I have never seen an open footed sail without a slug at the clew.
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John V.
O.K., I see what you're saying
I understand your point, thanks. The outhaul car on my C-36 is actually quite substantial, much stronger than a slug on the sail would be. It has a rather long section that fits closely in the groove on the boom, and is hauled out with a tackle that inside the boom with a three to one purchase. I've seen loose footed sails with out a slug, with the clew t othe outhaul the only connection; a friend has aLittle Harbor 52 with in-mast furling and loose footed main. Here's a link to Selden which shows a few pictures of such set-ups. jv
I understand your point, thanks. The outhaul car on my C-36 is actually quite substantial, much stronger than a slug on the sail would be. It has a rather long section that fits closely in the groove on the boom, and is hauled out with a tackle that inside the boom with a three to one purchase. I've seen loose footed sails with out a slug, with the clew t othe outhaul the only connection; a friend has aLittle Harbor 52 with in-mast furling and loose footed main. Here's a link to Selden which shows a few pictures of such set-ups. jv
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