main sail foot slug

[Manny]

I just picked up a new used sail from Bacon's which appears to be an almost perfect fit but I have a question regarding the foot. The original sail has a slug at the clew, but the new (used) one does not. It does have a cutout just like the original. I'm not sure if I should move the slug from the one to the other, or is it even needed? See attached picture...

Thanks

M

 

[FourPoints]

yes you need the slug. That sail is not reinforced to be able to properly handle the loads without it, and will likley tear.

 

[Bill Roosa]

How many reinforcing patches does the clew have. Count the diagonal stitching lines that go from leach to foot. If they are the same number in each sail you should be OK.

 

[Manny]

yes you need the slug. That sail is not reinforced to be able to properly handle the loads without it, and will likley tear.

Just curious, how does the slug add strength to the clew? The sail isn't loose-footed (I probably should have mentioned that before), the bolt rope in both sails would slide into the track on the boom. Does that slug help with lateral loads?
I'll try and count the reinforcing patches to see if they match between sails.

Thanks,

M

 

[Joe]

There' a lot of load on the leech..... it only cost a few bucks to sew in the slug... and remember, this sail was not designed for your boat. Why take any chances?

 

[Cayennita]

With out the slug, there is nothing to hold the sail down unto the boom except the bolt rope and that was not designed as such. The outhaul will not keep the foot down. Use a shackle if you don't want to sew a strap.

 

[RichH]

Cayennita is correct.
The clew slug will keep the sail clew close to the boom when the outhaul tension is slacked and especially if there are other slugs installed (and if this is s shelf footed sail and not a loose footed) when the clew outhaul is eased the 'next forward' slug will have to support the vertical loads ... and that 'next forward' slug cringle/grommet is usually NOT reinforced and will tend to rip out. The clew, as it is, has reinforcing patches and is designed to take the vertical loads AND support the loads onto the clew slug, the 'next forward' slug cringle usually is NOT reinforced.

Simple speak: if other slugs are used along the foot, you risk ripping out 'the next forward' slug when the outhaul is eased during high wind conditions or when the sail's leech is allowed to 'flog'.

 

[Bill Roosa]

But he has a bolt rope Rich
The slug acts as a keeper for the rest of the foot bolt rope. the bolt rope can pull out as it is just rope. It normaly would not do that because the loads are spread out along the boom/foot. But at the clew you get a zipper effect with out some sort of positive, cannot pull out fixture aka the slug.

 

[Manny]

Thanks guys, this makes sense. Once I confirm that the sail is a good fit I'll transfer the slug over to the new sail.

M