I have a Hunter Legend 40.5 with the standard "Dutchman Flaking System" on the mainsail. I want to install a "stack pack" type sail cover, which I plan to design and sew myself. My main question is: Will I need to install a "lazy jack" type of flaking system to control the tail end of the lowered sail and make the sail cover work? Or, would a control line from the aft end of the boom, thru the hem of the sailcover, up to a point on the mast help contain the tail of the lowered mainsail especially? The "Dutchman" adequately controls the rest of the main. I am willing to switch to the "lazy jack" type system, however, after using the "Dutchman" for three seasons, I like it. So, "if it ain't broke, why fix it"?
Mainsail Cover 40ft Boat
- Thread starter Capn Grumpy
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are you sure?
Are you sure that you want to do this? Lazy jacks are the biggest pain that I have ever used. The battens always get caught in the lazy jacks.
Are you sure that you want to do this? Lazy jacks are the biggest pain that I have ever used. The battens always get caught in the lazy jacks.
Then the lazy jacks are not right.
Usually when people have problems with battens and lazy jacks it is due to battens hanging up when hoisting the sail. Lazy jacks should only be deployed when dousing, when hoisting or sailing they should stow along the boom and next to the mast. IMO sailing with the lazy jacks up is like sailing with your fenders out.
If you sail with the lazy jacks up, they chafe the sail and can effect sail trim, just as the Dutchman system can. The advantage that I see in the Dutchman system is that it can be adjusted from the cockpit. Most lazy jack systems require them to be set and doused from the mast. There was one company that offers a retractable from the cockpit system, but I can't find the link. The Stack Pack - Mac Pack type combination sail cover / lazy jack systems are both designed to leave the lazy jacks up all the time. The Mack Pack instructions advise slacking off the leeward lazy jacks when hoisting. Both systems suggest a helping hand at the mast to insure the sail flakes neatly. Lazy jack systems handle modern large roach mains pretty well. The Dutchman system needs a bit of fussing to work well with big roaches. If you live in a damp climate, holes in the sail cover for Dutchman lines or lazy jacks invite mildew from damp sails. Stowing lazy jacks allows a normal sail cover to be used.
Usually when people have problems with battens and lazy jacks it is due to battens hanging up when hoisting the sail. Lazy jacks should only be deployed when dousing, when hoisting or sailing they should stow along the boom and next to the mast. IMO sailing with the lazy jacks up is like sailing with your fenders out.
If you sail with the lazy jacks up, they chafe the sail and can effect sail trim, just as the Dutchman system can. The advantage that I see in the Dutchman system is that it can be adjusted from the cockpit. Most lazy jack systems require them to be set and doused from the mast. There was one company that offers a retractable from the cockpit system, but I can't find the link. The Stack Pack - Mac Pack type combination sail cover / lazy jack systems are both designed to leave the lazy jacks up all the time. The Mack Pack instructions advise slacking off the leeward lazy jacks when hoisting. Both systems suggest a helping hand at the mast to insure the sail flakes neatly. Lazy jack systems handle modern large roach mains pretty well. The Dutchman system needs a bit of fussing to work well with big roaches. If you live in a damp climate, holes in the sail cover for Dutchman lines or lazy jacks invite mildew from damp sails. Stowing lazy jacks allows a normal sail cover to be used.Re: Design and sew yourself
Hi Rick That is a great looking sail cover, beautiful boat too. I tried to reach your email address, but could'nt, got blocked. Could you please send me the details to: jim@theritemortgage4u.com Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Cap'n Grumpy
Hi Rick That is a great looking sail cover, beautiful boat too. I tried to reach your email address, but could'nt, got blocked. Could you please send me the details to: jim@theritemortgage4u.com Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Cap'n Grumpy
Build your own stack pack
Cap'n Grumpy, yeah sorry you got blocked. Guess it might have worked if I had included the CORRECT email Im emailing you some details as we speak. Tis the first mate's email Flutini@cox.net Cheers Rick
Cap'n Grumpy, yeah sorry you got blocked. Guess it might have worked if I had included the CORRECT email
Im emailing you some details as we speak. Tis the first mate's email Flutini@cox.net Cheers RickCap'n Grumpy
Just following up to make sure you got the email and pics for our "sail pack" project. Cheers Rick
Just following up to make sure you got the email and pics for our "sail pack" project. Cheers Rick
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